In a rare and commendable act of public accountability, the Registrar General of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has taken responsibility and offered an emotional and heartfelt apology to the nation over the technical failure that disrupted examinations in 157 centres across six states, Lagos, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu, affecting 379,997 candidates out of the 1.9 million who registered.
The affected candidates will now have the opportunity to retake the examination between Friday, May 16, and Monday, May 19, 2025. This decision was reached in consultation with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which is concurrently conducting its examinations.
I commend JAMB for its consistent commitment to upholding institutional integrity. Unlike many other public agencies, JAMB did not resort to the all-too-familiar refrain of “Go to court.” Instead, it acknowledged its shortcomings, invited critical stakeholders for dialogue, and subjected its internal processes to external review.
To the students affected, I extend my solidarity and best wishes for the upcoming retest. You are not alone.
At the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, we will continue to use data and evidence to hold institutions accountable, spotlight governance failures, and call out those responsible.
Osita Chidoka
14 May 2025