JAMB to conduct mop-up UTME for affected candidates – Prof. Oloyede
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to conduct a mop-up examination for candidates who were unable to participate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) due to various unforeseen circumstances.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja with Chief External Examiners, state technical advisers, and other key education stakeholders.
“We have decided that all those who missed the examination — the 5 to 6 percent — will be accommodated in a nationwide mop-up exam,” Oloyede said.
“This includes those absent from both the rescheduled and the initial exams. We do this annually, and it’s not unusual. It’s a standard practice in universities — to provide make-up examinations. We just ensure it is not abused.”
The registrar explained that technical glitches, particularly in parts of the South-East and Lagos, created undue pressure and disruptions during the UTME, making the decision for a mop-up imperative. He revealed that the situation almost pushed him to resign.
“When the disruptions happened, my first instinct was to resign,” he admitted. “But I was advised against it, reminded that the candidates would feel abandoned. Managing the rescheduling process was difficult, but it was necessary to ensure fairness.”
Prof. Oloyede also addressed criticisms regarding the swift rescheduling of exams for affected candidates, emphasizing the constraints imposed by Nigeria’s tight academic calendar.
“People questioning the rescheduling are not aware of the realities,” he said. “Immediately after UTME in May, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) begins, followed by NECO and NABTEB. The same students sit for all these exams. If we delay UTME, we risk excluding them from subsequent opportunities such as NDA, Police Academy, and Air Force exams. We cannot allow that.”
Oloyede reaffirmed his commitment to impartiality, stressing that he does not discriminate based on regional or ethnic origins.
“As JAMB Registrar, I don’t care where any staff comes from. What matters is their commitment to duty,” he said. “My emotional reaction to recent events was out of empathy, not weakness or an excuse to abandon our responsibilities. We must resist opportunists who seek to politicize this situation.”
During the meeting, stakeholders observed a minute of silence for a candidate who reportedly died by suicide in connection with the exam. Prof. Oloyede described the tragedy as a heartbreaking emotional burden and underscored the importance of empathy and institutional responsibility.
Chairman of the Chief External Examiners group, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, commended Oloyede’s leadership during the crisis.
“We must commend Prof. Oloyede for showing leadership and taking responsibility, even though the issues were beyond his control,” Tenebe said. “We must continue to work together to move Nigeria forward — not just in Africa, but on the global stage.”
The mop-up examination is expected to provide a fair opportunity for all affected candidates, as JAMB continues to uphold integrity and equity in its processes.