JAMB in Chaos: Over 370,000 Students to Retake 2025 UTME After Shocking System Failure

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a retake of the 2025 UTME for more than 370,000 candidates after admitting that widespread technical glitches compromised results in 157 of its 887 exam centres — sparking nationwide outrage, confusion, and threats of legal action.

The decision follows days of public outrage, social media backlash, and damning revelations of technical failures in 157 out of 887 examination centers across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, admitted to errors that compromised the integrity of this year’s exam.

“What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors,” he stated.

The statistics are startling. Out of 1.9 million candidates who sat for the exam, over 1.5 million scored below 200 out of 400 — a pattern many say reflects not academic failure but systemic malfunction.

According to official figures:

• Only 12,414 candidates (just 0.63%) scored 300 and above.
• 983,187 scored between 160–199
• A worrying 2,031 candidates scored below 100

The dismal results sparked a flood of testimonies from candidates who reported abrupt system shutdowns, incomplete English passages, blank screens, and network interruptions during their Computer-Based Tests (CBT). Many said their scores did not match what they had practiced for months — or even what appeared on their exam interfaces.

Anger peaked when some candidates received SMS score summaries that contradicted their expectations and efforts. Accusations ranged from mishandling of data to suspicions of preloaded results.

In response, JAMB initially promised to investigate. But days later, the board acknowledged the glitch and officially confirmed plans for a retake.

“Man proposes, God disposes! It has been established that a technical glitch affected 157 centres… responsible for the general low performance,” JAMB said in a public statement via its social handle @JAMBHQ.

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Affected candidates have been directed to reprint their exam slips starting May 16 for fresh dates and venues. The reconducted exams are expected to begin immediately after.

Meanwhile, some candidates are threatening legal action, insisting their futures were jeopardized by failures beyond their control.

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