- Safiu Kehinde
The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the recently conducted 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit examination for candidates at centres affected by the technical error which marred their results at their initial sitting for the examination.
This was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin.
As part of its healing process and reconciliation with the aggrieved public, the board also released results of all underaged candidates initially withheld.
The UTME Resit as analysed by Fabian, was conducted for 336,845 candidates of the affected centres with including previously unverified candidates also added.
However, 21,082 candidates were absent from the resit examination.
The JAMB spokesperson also diclosed that performance analysis remains consistent (between 11% in 2013 and 34% in 2016) despite ongoing inquiries.
While describing the initial sabotage of the examination as unfortunate, JAMB, according to Fabian, held a meeting with the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs) after the conduct of the resit examination.
Coupled with the approval of the release of the resit and underage candidate’s result, the board also made other resolutions which included the decision on the result of candidates involved in illicit solicitation of assistance commonly known as ‘WhatsApp Runs’; special waivers for absentees candidates, CBT Centres involved in registration infractions amongst others.
“After consideration of the report of the resit examination, and extensive deliberations thereon, the following resolutions were made:
“Constitution of a Sub-Committee: A sub-committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University, Prof. Olufemi Peters who is also the CEE FCT, was constituted to confirm that the results are in order.
“Release of 2025 UTME Resit Examination: The CEEs reviewed the exercise and directed that an expert in psychometrics, Prof. Boniface Nworgu be invited to analyse and endorse the results for subsequent release.
“Release of Results of all Under-aged Candidates: As part of the healing process, the meeting resolved that the withheld results of the under-aged candidates (except where litigation is involved) who performed below the established standards be released. Such result does not however qualify them for admission, as they had previously signed an undertaking during the registration process acknowledging that only those who meet the prescribed standards would be considered for under-aged special admission.
“Release of Result of Candidates involved in “WhatsApp Runs” and other Misdemeanours: This category of candidates were found to have been involved in illicit solicitation of assistance. The meeting emphasised that its decision is not an endorsement of candidates’ unacceptable acts, rather a once and for all waiver. Candidates were thus advised to refrain from joining questionable “WhatsApp and other anti-social groups.”
“Special Waivers for Absentee Candidates: While noting the over 93% attendance at the resit examination, the meeting offered all the candidates absent an opportunity to participate during the normal annual mop-up examination. This waiver is also extended to the candidates who for whatever reason must have missed the initial main UTME.
“CBT Centres involved in Registration Infractions: The meeting condemned the involvement of some CBT centres in perpetrating serious registration and examination malpractices and resolved that all the implicated CBT centres should be blacklisted while complicit owners should be prosecuted. In addition, the identified individuals who directly registered the candidates with modified pictures and biometrics be apprehended and prosecuted.
“Activities of Tutorial Centres: The meeting observed with great concern, the role of some tutorial centres in the perpetration of examination malpractices. It urged governments at all levels to take appropriate steps in ensuring that operators of tutorial centres are properly regulated, licensed and constantly monitored. This is to curtail the initiation of candidates into the path of dishonesty.
“Computer-Based Examination: The meeting acknowledged the significant contributions of Computer-Based Testing in diminishing instances of examination malpractice and advancing the nation towards a digital society. Despite some shortcomings, CBT remains the viable option for ensuring a malpractice-free examination process.
“Standardisation of Processes: The meeting acknowledged the detailed and rigorous processes adopted by the Board in the accreditation of CBT centres by state panels led by the CEEs. It was however advised that a reputable firm of management consultants be engaged to advise on improving the process of accrediting CBT centres, registration procedures, and other critical operational stages.” The statement read in part.