The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has dismissed allegations of a deliberate conspiracy against the South-East following the technical glitches that affected the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The glitches, which disrupted exams in all five South-Eastern states and Lagos, have sparked accusations that the Board intentionally targeted South-East candidates. However, speaking at a management meeting on Wednesday ahead of the release of results for the rescheduled exams, Oloyede denied the claims.
He insisted that every candidate is treated equally, regardless of region, stating, “There was no deliberate attempt to undermine candidates from any part of the country. Every Nigerian candidate has the same rights and opportunities.”
During the meeting, a minute of silence was also observed in honour of a candidate who tragically died during the examination period. Oloyede described the death as regrettable.
Lawmakers demand resignation
The denial comes amid growing pressure from lawmakers, particularly from the South-East. On Tuesday, the South-East Caucus in the House of Representatives called for Oloyede’s resignation, describing the exam disruption as a “national shame.”
In a statement signed by caucus leader Igariwey Iduma Enwo, the lawmakers also demanded a complete cancellation of the 2025 UTME and the scheduling of a new nationwide exam date.
They further called for the suspension of senior officials responsible for JAMB’s digital infrastructure and exam logistics.
“The registrar is said to be a good man, but leadership comes with accountability,” the statement read. “We call on him to resign to allow for a thorough investigation and remediation of the issues that led to this failure. That is the standard in any civilised democracy, and we expect no less.”
