House Committee Demands Independent Probe Into 2025 UTME Errors, Apologises to Nigerians

The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies in Nigeria has called for an independent investigation into the human errors that disrupted the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Before this, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced in its bulletin that it released the 2025 UTME results on May 9. According to JAMB, over 1.9 million candidates sat for the examination. Notably, over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 out of 400. JAMB also withheld 39,834 results due to various reasons. Subsequently, there were protests and public outcry from different quarters.

Following this, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, eventually addressed a press conference regarding the complaints about the 2025 UTME results. He acknowledged some errors in the process. You can read his full address for more details.

2025 UTME Highlights Need for Urgent Reforms in Examination Processes

Speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja on Tuesday regarding the 2025 UTME, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oforji Oboku, addressed the recent developments.

Oboku said the Committee is working closely with JAMB on critical reforms intended to restore the credibility of the examination process.

According to him, one of the key measures under consideration is the deployment of independent monitors across all six geopolitical zones to ensure transparency and accountability in future UTME exercises.

“We sincerely apologise to the candidates, their parents, and the Nigerian public. This disruption is unprecedented in the history of JAMB and must never happen again,” Oboku said.

Furthermore, the Committee Chairman on Basic Education Examination Bodies in Nigeria commended JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for his transparency and public apology. However, maintained that the 2025 UTME errors were entirely avoidable and pointed to institutional failure.

“The Registrar has shown rare courage by accepting responsibility, but we must be clear — this was a preventable lapse. Our students and the nation deserve better,” he stated.

Oboku further stressed the urgency of reform, warning that the education system cannot withstand another scandal of this scale.

“The push for accountability cannot be postponed. The integrity of our education system is at stake,” he added.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight, driving systemic reforms, and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s examination bodies.