Oloyede’s integrity shines amid UTME result glitch

The Civil Society and Media Independent Group on JAMB has lauded the leadership of the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is’haq Oloyede, for his uncommon display of transparency, accountability, and integrity in the face of recent challenges encountered during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a statement jointly signed by 13 distinguished media professionals and academics, the group acknowledged JAMB’s consistent record of credible conduct in UTME administration over the past eight years. However, they noted some minor glitches in the release of results from a few centres, largely due to human error.

The group, which voluntarily monitored the 2025 UTME mock and main examinations, submitted detailed reports to the JAMB headquarters, highlighting observations and offering suggestions for continuous improvement of the process.

Rather than downplay the situation, the group praised JAMB for its prompt and transparent response. The Registrar, Professor Oloyede, addressed a world press conference, during which he offered a public apology and announced that the examination would be rescheduled at the affected centres. He took full responsibility for the errors, which the group described as a rare and commendable act of leadership.

“This is leadership at its finest,” the statement read. “Professor Oloyede has once again demonstrated the courage and integrity befitting of a true public servant.”

The group extended its sympathies to the affected candidates and their parents, commending their understanding and cooperation with JAMB during the period of adjustment. It emphasised that this isolated issue should not overshadow the remarkable achievements recorded under Professor Oloyede’s leadership.

They appealed to the public and other stakeholders for continued support for the Board, adding that the integrity and reforms instituted by JAMB under its current leadership are exceptional in Nigeria’s public service and even rare in the private sector.

“This is not a time for undue criticism,” they stated. “It is a time for collective resolve in sustaining the gains made and seeking lasting solutions to recurring challenges.”

The statement was endorsed by respected figures, including Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim, FNGE; Dr Qasim Akinreti of Voice of Nigeria; Bola Bolawole, former Editor of Punch Newspapers; Professor Tunde Akanni of Lagos State University; Kabir Alabi Garba of The Guardian; and several others from leading universities and media institutions across the country.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting and monitoring JAMB to ensure transparency, credibility, and excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.