Prominent Nigerian academic and political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has called for immediate accountability within the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board following the widespread failures recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Utomi, who recently established a shadow government aimed at providing alternative policy perspectives, emphasized the detrimental impact of JAMB’s shortcomings on Nigerian youths.
In a statement issued on Friday, Utomi asserted, “The opposition front bench, sometimes called shadow cabinet or shadow champions call for sack of those who have caused severe grief to young people who worked so hard to test well at JAMB, with some committing suicide from gravity of negligence. Instant probe and penalties needed.”
The 2025 UTME saw over two million candidates register for the examination. However, a significant number of these candidates experienced technical glitches during the Computer-Based Tests, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and distress.
Reports indicate that some candidates were unable to complete their examinations due to system failures, while others faced delays and rescheduling issues.
The mass failure has sparked outrage among students, parents, and educational stakeholders, with many attributing the poor performance to JAMB’s technical and administrative lapses.
The situation has been further exacerbated by reports of some candidates resorting to extreme measures, including suicide, due to the emotional toll of the examination outcomes.
Utomi’s shadow cabinet, comprising experts and opposition figures, has been vocal in its criticism of the current administration’s handling of educational policies. The group advocates for reforms that prioritize student welfare, transparency, and accountability within examination bodies like JAMB.
