The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has addressed the recent controversy surrounding the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic sentiments and misinformation.
Speaking at a closed-door meeting with chief external examiners and a few civil society leaders, Prof. Oloyede expressed deep concern over how the exam crisis has been politicized and turned into a tribal debate.
“Until this incident happened, I didn’t know I was surrounded by many Igbos – because I never saw them as Igbos, I saw them as colleagues and friends doing their job,” Oloyede said, stressing that tribalism should have no place in national service.
‘No One Will Be Left Behind’ – JAMB Reassures Candidates
Following the exam disruption that affected some candidates, Oloyede confirmed that JAMB will conduct a mop-up exam to accommodate those who missed their test for any reason, including those affected by the rescheduling.
He explained that the only available window was during a science practical session scheduled by WAEC, which they quickly utilized to avoid long delays. Delaying further, he noted, would have meant denying students a full academic year, especially those seeking admission into institutions like the NDA and Police Academy.
“If we had missed that small window, it would’ve taken two more months. That would have permanently denied thousands of students a chance this year,” he explained.
Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar speaking on symfoni tv
‘I Took Responsibility Because It Was the Right Thing to Do’
In a show of leadership, the JAMB boss admitted he initially considered resigning over the issue, especially after reports of a student allegedly committing suicide. However, he said he was persuaded by stakeholders who reminded him that walking away would leave millions of students stranded.
“I chose to take responsibility – not because I didn’t know how to pass blame – but because it was the right thing to do,” he said.
He added that many of the public criticisms were coming from people who barely understand how educational assessments work.
“Some of those shouting on TV don’t even know the difference between an achievement test and a placement test,” he said. “It’s like a truck pusher directing a pilot on how to fly.”
JAMB’s CBT Centers Among the Best in Africa – Oloyede
Reacting to claims that JAMB’s Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system was flawed, Oloyede said many critics are either uninformed or malicious. He described JAMB’s exam centers as some of the best on the continent, having pioneered CBT technology even before many African countries considered it.
He also revealed that international education experts and institutions continue to recognize Nigeria’s testing infrastructure, despite local criticisms.
“No center in Africa has the kind of facilities we have. I say that with confidence,” he said.
The Registrar expressed gratitude to various institutions that worked overnight to help JAMB adjust schedules and reduce exam clashes. He singled out the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) for their immediate cooperation.
Additionally, a 24-hour emergency call and counseling center was launched to support candidates dealing with stress, fear, and uncertainty caused by the exam disruptions.
