The South East Caucus in the Green Chamber (HoR) has demanded immediate total cancellation of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The call followed the widespread technical disruptions that marred the exercise across the country, with a heavy impact on the South East.
Describing the conduct of the exam as a failure that has undermined public confidence in the examination body, the caucus through its leader, Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, also called for the resignation of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The lawmakers expressed concern over what they termed a dismissal handling of technical issues that led to inaccurate scores for nearly 380,000 candidates nationwide, noting that students in all five southeastern states were among the worst affected.
They also criticized JAMB’s response to the crisis, describing it as chaotic and inconsiderate.
“Students were reportedly given less than 48-hour notice to retake the test, resulting in low turnout and scheduling conflicts with ongoing WAEC examinations. These clashes left students distressed and disoriented, with many unable to attend both exams” the group lamented.
It would be recalled that on May 14, JAMB’s Registrar publicly confirmed that over 379,000 candidates would be required to sit for the UTME again due to technical failures at various centres. This acknowledgment, according to the caucus, further exposed the scale of the mishap and the Board’s lack of readiness.
“After watching JAMB’s response in the past week, it is clear that no meaningful attempt has been made to address the situation fairly and transparently. The hurried rescheduling of exams without considering the realities of students already engaged in other national examinations shows a deep disconnect from the realities on the ground,” the statement read.
The lawmakers therefore urged JAMB to set a new date for a fresh nationwide UTME after the conclusion of both WAEC and NECO examinations, while also insisting on the immediate suspension of senior officials in charge of the board’s digital operations and logistics.
While acknowledging Oloyede’s public admission of the failures, the caucus stated that words alone were not enough, but his resignation was necessary to allow for an independent review and to begin restoring public trust in JAMB.
Citing Section 18(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the lawmakers reminded the Board of the government’s legal obligation to guarantee equal and fair access to education. They argued that the flawed administration of this year’s UTME had denied many students, especially those from the South East, that fundamental right.
“Education is a right, not a privilege. How this year’s UTME was conducted has failed to meet that standard, and we will continue to hold relevant authorities accountable,” the statement concluded.
