The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that 173,387 candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will have to retake their exams.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, admitted to widespread technical glitches, unusually low scores, and irregularities that marred the recently concluded UTME.

In a rare display of emotion, Prof. Oloyede, visibly moved, repeatedly wiped his face with a handkerchief as he took full responsibility for the lapses, promising to restore the integrity of the examination process.

He disclosed that 65 centres in Lagos and 92 centres in the Owerri Zone, which covers the five states in the South East, have been earmarked for the retake.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions among candidates and parents, with some applauding JAMB’s transparency, while others question the impact on students’ mental health and academic plans.

What do you think – is this a fair move by JAMB, or should the board have handled this differently? Share your thoughts.