Nigeria’s university-entrance exams body, JAMB, has admitted to a technical glitch that affected the results of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), after nearly 80% of candidates scored poorly. The issue has sparked national outrage and heartbreak, following the suicide of 19-year-old Faith Opesusi Timileyin, who had failed the exam for a second time.
Students reported severe technical disruptions, including system log-in issues, missing questions, and power outages. Some were told to skip incomplete questions, while others had their sessions interrupted or saw different profiles on their screens. Many, like Favour Eke, now face a third failed attempt at securing university admission.
Only 400,000 of the 1.9 million candidates scored the 200 marks typically needed to qualify for university entry — one of the lowest success rates in recent years.
JAMB’s registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, tearfully apologized in a press conference and announced that nearly 380,000 students from 157 affected centres would be allowed to retake the exams. The agency cited system failures and power issues, particularly in Lagos and southeastern states.
Critics, including opposition leader Peter Obi and rights activist Rinu Oduala, called for accountability and even arrest, labeling the incident as educational sabotage.
