May 12, (THEWILL) – The release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results has triggered nationwide outrage, with parents, students, and educators raising concerns over what many describe as systemic irregularities and operational failures by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
From Lagos to Kano and Port Harcourt to Enugu, stories of disappointment and disillusionment dominate conversations among anxious parents and frustrated candidates.
Many are questioning the credibility of JAMB’s examination and result-processing system, especially in light of widespread reports of withheld results, unusually low scores, and technical hitches at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
Particularly affected are underage candidates—students below the statutory age of 16—who have reportedly lost significant sums of money after being blocked from completing registrations or accessing results despite earlier assurances.
“I paid N12,000 to a private school to process my JAMB registration in Sango-Ota, but I was later told that JAMB had stopped PIN vending for underage candidates. I never got the PIN or a refund,” lamented Nkem Reward, one of the affected students.
JAMB had previously announced a special waiver window for exceptionally gifted students under 16 to register for the UTME. However, critics say the board failed to provide clear guidelines or implement the policy consistently.
“This is not just a financial loss—it’s emotional trauma.
“There’s no communication from JAMB, no explanation. Children are questioning their self-worth. This is a national tragedy,” said Joseph Ishika, a parent whose daughter’s result remains unreleased.
Some school proprietors also expressed shock over the scale of result irregularities. A Lagos-based school owner, who spoke anonymously, revealed that out of 19 candidates registered at his school, only one result was released.
“My own daughter’s result is still pending. How do I explain this to other parents who entrusted us with their children’s future?” he said.
In Delta State, a teacher, Mrs. Okeoghene Winifred, detailed widespread technical failures during the UTME.
“Power outages, biometric mismatches, and poor coordination marred the exams in many centres. Some students couldn’t complete their exams, yet results were released. The scores don’t reflect the capabilities of these students,” she said.
She added that the lack of redress mechanisms worsens the situation. “There has been total silence from JAMB regarding withheld results and how candidates can seek resolution.”
Education consultant, Mr. Olutope Michael, called for an independent audit of the 2025 UTME and improvements in CBT infrastructure.
“JAMB must be held accountable. The system needs transparency. CBT centres must be tested and monitored thoroughly before exams. There should be clear communication channels for complaints and updates,” he advised.
Michael also advocated alternatives such as JUPEB, IJMB, and diploma-to-degree programmes, urging more awareness so students have multiple admission pathways.
Meanwhile, a veteran public school teacher from the Niger Delta described the performance in this year’s UTME as “alarming.”
“Only about 30% of students scored above 200. It’s deeply troubling,” she said, attributing the low performance to digital illiteracy and logistical setbacks.
She noted that many parents now encourage their underage children to write JAMB not necessarily for admission but to gain experience.
“It’s common. Parents see it as preparation for the real thing. But the system must guide them properly, not frustrate them after taking their money,” she added.
She advised parents to identify exam centres early to avoid disorientation on test day and called on stakeholders to invest in digital training for teachers and students to improve CBT readiness.
“The government must close the digital divide. Most rural and low-income students aren’t equipped for computer-based exams. If we want better outcomes, we must first ensure they’re prepared for the exam format.”
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
