The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has come under intense public scrutiny following a wave of alarming revelations by education technology expert, Alex Onyia, who disclosed that over 9,620 students have raised serious concerns about inconsistencies and technical glitches that allegedly marred the just-concluded exams conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
In a widely circulated post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Onyia stated, “I will be on TVC tomorrow at 9:30am to discuss about the current glitches with 2025 JAMB results. Dr. Fabian Benjamin who is JAMB’s head of media and public relations will join.” The announcement has sparked widespread attention, especially among affected candidates and educational stakeholders nationwide.
Describing the situation as a “major disaster,” Onyia alleged that JAMB’s computer-based testing system was riddled with severe technical defects. “Aside the major disaster with students results caused by their poorly designed system, there are serious cases like some questions being blank, incomplete questions and CBT centers messing up with students destiny,” he wrote. This statement reflects widespread anxieties among candidates who believe their scores do not accurately reflect their performance.
He further revealed that the scale of complaints he had received is unprecedented. “I currently have 9,620 students who have raised serious concerns,” he said. “I have also spoken to some of the best schools in Nigeria who are heavily affected by the glitch.” This raises significant questions about the integrity of this year’s UTME and the capacity of JAMB to maintain its examination standards across all centres.
Onyia demanded urgent transparency from JAMB, calling for the release of detailed score breakdowns. “We need the mark-sheet released quickly for students to review and dispute,” he said, adding that without proper redress, students may have no choice but to retake the examination. “They may have to rewrite the JAMB exam,” he warned. His comments have sparked serious national debate on the need for reform in Nigeria’s standardized testing infrastructure.
Expressing deep concern for the implications of the alleged technical lapses, Onyia said, “We can’t toil with the destinies of these students. No we can’t!” His remarks struck a chord with parents, educators, and education-focused civil society organisations, many of whom have echoed the call for JAMB to act with urgency and transparency.
In response to the growing backlash, JAMB’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, issued an official statement acknowledging the spike in complaints. “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) acknowledges the significant volume of unusual complaints following the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results,” he said. He explained that the Board was fast-tracking its annual post-examination review process to urgently address the issues.
Dr. Benjamin also highlighted JAMB’s operational policy regarding examination fairness. “During the examination phase, JAMB ensures that every candidate is afforded the opportunity to sit for the test. Should any technical issues arise, the Board reschedules the examination for affected candidates without hesitation,” he stated, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to equity in testing conditions.
According to him, the Board has launched a deeper investigation specifically into complaints emerging from a few states. “We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the Federation,” he said. “We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues.”
To ensure the credibility of its review, JAMB has enlisted the support of top industry professionals and educational leaders. “We have engaged a number of experts, including members from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, Chief External Examiners, who are heads of tertiary institutions, the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and Vice Chancellors from various institutions,” Benjamin revealed.
He assured the public that JAMB would not hesitate to act if irregularities were confirmed. “If it is determined that there were indeed glitches, we will implement appropriate remedial measures promptly, as we do in the case of the examinations themselves,” he concluded. The public now waits to see whether these words will be matched with corrective action.
Meanwhile, candidates and their families continue to express anxiety as they await clarity from JAMB. With mounting pressure from education advocates like Onyia and intensifying public discourse, the 2025 UTME may prove to be a defining moment for how standardized examinations are conducted and managed in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Education News will continue to follow this unfolding story, especially as Onyia and Dr. Benjamin appear on national television to address the concerns and possibly chart a course forward for affected candidates.
