In a scene that could rival any Nollywood drama, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, broke down in tears while admitting to errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.
The emotional display came after widespread complaints from candidates who found discrepancies in their scores.
But this isn’t just a case of human error; it’s a reflection of deeper systemic issues within Nigeria’s education sector.
The “Technical Glitch” That Wasn’t
JAMB’s initial response to the situation was to blame a “technical glitch” for the errors.
However, as investigations unfolded, it became clear that the problem was more than just a malfunctioning computer.
Thousands of candidates were affected, with some even resorting to vandalising exam centers in frustration.
A Culture Of Impunity
This isn’t the first time JAMB has faced criticism. In previous years, the board has been accused of allowing cheating and impersonation to run rampant.
From fingerprint fraud to “contributed fingers,” the extent of the malpractice was so severe that it moved the registrar to tears.
The Government’s Response: A Comedy Of Errors
The government’s reaction to these issues has been less than reassuring.
While the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, claims that the low scores reflect the end of the cheating era, many Nigerians are skeptical.
The idea that a system plagued by corruption and mismanagement can suddenly become a paragon of integrity is, at best, optimistic.
The Bigger Picture
The JAMB debacle is just the tip of the iceberg. Nigeria’s education system is underfunded, outdated, and increasingly irrelevant in a rapidly changing world.
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With a curriculum that fails to engage students and a culture that devalues education, it’s no wonder that many young Nigerians are turning to alternative paths to success.
The Symptoms
The 2025 JAMB glitch is more than just a technical issue; it’s a symptom of a broken system. Until there is a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s education policies, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes, incidents like this will continue to erode public trust.
Perhaps it’s time for a new approach—one that values transparency, accountability, and, most importantly, the future of Nigeria’s youth.
