The south-east caucus of the House has called for total cancellation of 2025 UTME and resignation of JAMB Registrar
The south-east caucus of the House of Representatives has demanded the total cancellation of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) following what it described as a “horrifying institutional failure” by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The caucus also called for the immediate resignation of the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
The lawmakers made the call in a statement signed by their leader, Rep Igariwey Iduma Enwo (PDP), expressing grave concern over the recent admission by JAMB that nearly 380,000 candidates would have to retake the exam due to “technical glitches” recorded during the last exam.
“The five south-eastern states where we represent were directly impacted by JAMB’s so-called ‘score distortions,’” the caucus noted, adding: “This catastrophic failure has shaken the trust and confidence of students and families across the country.”
On May 14, Oloyede publicly acknowledged the glitch, affecting approximately 20 percent of the 1.9 million UTME candidates. While the caucus commended the transparency of the admission, it criticized JAMB’s response as inadequate, labeling it a “kneejerk and fire brigade approach.”
According to the lawmakers, many affected students particularly those in the south-east were given less than 48 hours’ notice to retake the exam, clashing with ongoing WAEC papers and leading to a low turnout.
“The outcome has been heart-wrenching for students and parents, and agonizingly shambolic, to say the very least,” the statement read.
Citing Section 18(1) of the 1999 constitution, which mandates equal and adequate educational opportunities for all Nigerians, the caucus said the flawed UTME exercise had denied thousands of students this fundamental right.
They urged JAMB to reschedule the UTME nationwide, proposing a new date in July or August after WAEC and NECO examinations, in line with recommendations from the Association of Tutorial School Operators.
The caucus also called for immediate disciplinary action against JAMB officials responsible for digital operations and exam logistics.
“Leadership must carry consequences,” the lawmakers insisted, calling on Professor Oloyede to resign as Registrar to “pave way for a thorough examination and remediation of the root causes of this national shame.”
The statement concluded with a demand for accountability and a firm warning that apologies and PR campaigns were insufficient in addressing what it termed a “national embarrassment”.
