JAMB Begins Rescheduling of UTME for 379,997 Affected Candidates

AMB Reschedules UTME for Nearly 380,000 Candidates Across Lagos and South-East

In response to the fallout from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the rescheduling of 379,997 affected candidates.

The development follows a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, May 14, where JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede acknowledged widespread errors and took full responsibility for the disruption.

Where and Who Was Affected?

According to Prof. Oloyede, the breakdown of affected candidates includes:

• 206,610 candidates from 65 centres in Lagos

• 173,387 candidates from 92 centres in the South-East zone (Owerri inclusive), covering five states

These candidates experienced various disruptions including technical failures and sabotage that may have impacted their UTME performance.

Reschedule Messages Begin Rolling Out

Starting Thursday, May 15, affected candidates began receiving text messages from JAMB with details of their new exam dates, times, and centres.

“The affected candidates will start getting text messages for reschedule starting from tomorrow. I apologise, I take full responsibility,” — Prof. Ishaq Oloyede

Our correspondent confirmed that one of the affected students in Lagos has already received a new exam slip indicating she has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 12 noon in Igando, Alimosho LGA.

What Happens Next?

JAMB had earlier announced the creation of a special investigation team including experts from:

• The Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria

• Heads of tertiary institutions

• The Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa

• Vice Chancellors and Measurement Experts

This panel will thoroughly review the issues surrounding the conduct and outcome of the 2025 UTME.

 What You Should Do (If Affected):

• Check your phone regularly for a text from JAMB.

• Visit the JAMB e-Facility portal to reprint your new exam slip.

• Be at the rescheduled exam centre at least 1 hour early.

• Bring along your reprinted slip and a valid ID.

A Moment of Accountability

Prof. Oloyede’s public apology and assumption of full responsibility marks a rare moment of accountability from a major Nigerian exam body.

While the admission of fault may not erase the trauma of the disrupted exams, it has restored some level of confidence among stakeholders and affected families.

Final Word

This rescheduling is a second chance for almost 380,000 candidates to prove themselves, and a wake-up call for JAMB to upgrade its systems and oversight mechanisms.