The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been a major pillar of Nigeria’s educational system and it is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which serves as the gateway to higher education for millions of students acrossNigeria.
Since Professor Ishaq Oloyede assumed the leadership in 2016, the board of trustees has undergone significant reforms, earning praise for increased transparency and operational efficiency.
But the 2025 UTME was marked by unprecedented difficulties and controversies, casting a shadow over recent progress.
A Test of Leadership
The 2025 UTME crisis emerged as a critical test of Professor Oloyede’s leadership. His prompt acknowledgment of the mishap, coupled with a public apology and decisive corrective measures, reflected a strong commitment to accountability and transparency.
Although the incident has affected JAMB’s reputation, it also underscores the complexities of administering large-scale examinations in an increasingly digital environment. Rather than resorting to blame, the Registrar took full responsibility—demonstrating the hallmark of true leadership.
Looking Forward
As JAMB conducts its post-examination audit of the 2025 UTME, it faces a crucial opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen its processes.
Moving forward, the board must prioritize the development and implementation of more robust systems that can effectively prevent similar issues from recurring.
This includes enhancing its logistics framework to ensure smooth coordination across examination centers, as well as introducing rigorous checks and balances at every stage of the process.
Equally important is the establishment of clear accountability mechanisms to sanction individuals or partners who fail to meet expected standards. By holding stakeholders accountable, JAMB can reinforce a culture of responsibility.
Additionally, proactive communication and transparency will be essential in restoring public confidence.
The board’s ability to learn from this setback and take decisive action will determine whether it can maintain the credibility it has built over the years and continue to serve as a reliable gateway to higher education in Nigeria.
