JAMB Registrar Responds to Allegations Over UTME Glitch in South-East 

 The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has addressed concerns following the technical issues that disrupted the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in parts of the country.

A recent glitch during the UTME affected candidates in the five South-East states and Lagos, leading to widespread criticism and allegations that the examination board deliberately targeted students from the South-East region. However, Professor Oloyede has firmly denied these accusations.

Speaking during a meeting with top JAMB officials ahead of the release of the rescheduled UTME results, the JAMB Registrar described the claims of conspiracy as false and unfortunate. He emphasized that all candidates, regardless of region, are treated equally and fairly.

“There was no intention to sabotage candidates from any region. Every Nigerian student deserves equal opportunity, and we are committed to ensuring that,” Oloyede stated.

The meeting also observed a minute of silence in memory of a candidate who sadly passed away during the examination period. The Registrar described the death as a regrettable loss and extended condolences to the affected family.

Despite his reassurances, criticism continues to pour in, especially from lawmakers representing the South-East. On Tuesday, members of the South-East Caucus in the 10th House of Representatives called for Professor Oloyede’s resignation. They also demanded that the UTME be cancelled entirely and rescheduled nationwide.

In a statement signed by Caucus leader Igariwey Iduma Enwo, the lawmakers expressed disappointment over how the examination was handled. They described the situation as a “national embarrassment” and called for urgent action.

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According to the statement, “We call for the immediate suspension of those in charge of JAMB’s digital systems and logistics. While the Registrar is widely respected, accountability is essential in leadership. Professor Oloyede should step down to allow a full investigation into what went wrong.”

The South-East lawmakers insist that resigning would be the responsible thing to do, in line with best practices in democratic societies.

So far, more than 300,000 students were affected by the technical glitch. JAMB has already rescheduled the UTME for those affected and is preparing to release the new results soon.

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