•House of Representatives
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has apologised to Nigerians over the recent human error that marred the conduct of the April/May 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Addressing journalists at a world press conference in Abuja today, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Aboku Abonsizibe Oforji, who represents the Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, described the incident as “an avoidable human error” and expressed deep sympathy for the affected candidates and their families, reports Daily Independent.
“This was a situation that has never occurred before in the history of JAMB. The committee expresses its deepest sympathy to the candidates affected. We also sincerely apologise on behalf of JAMB to all Nigerians,” Hon. Zubeuboku stated.
While commending the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for taking responsibility and promptly apologizing to the public, the lawmaker emphasized that the committee will not treat the incident lightly.
“We must move towards accountability now, not in the future. The educational system, which is the cornerstone of our country’s future, cannot afford another scandal of this magnitude,” he warned.
Responding to questions from journalists, Hon. Zubeuboku admitted that the failure in oversight by relevant bodies may have contributed to the incident, but stressed that the committee had already initiated preliminary investigations and would push for deeper reforms across the six geopolitical zones to strengthen examination monitoring mechanisms.
“We are not holding brief for JAMB. Our preliminary finding is that it was a human error, not a technical glitch. But this committee is determined to ensure those responsible are identified and appropriate actions taken,” he added.
On calls by some lawmakers for the cancellation of the entire UTME results, the deputy chairman clarified that a decision on that would depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigations. He, however, noted that JAMB had already taken steps to mitigate the fallout by organizing a retake of the affected examinations.
“Let me remind you that shortly after the incident, JAMB issued a directive for the exam to be retaken. That shows it wasn’t a deliberate act. We are still investigating, and Nigerians should rest assured that this committee will do the needful,” he stated.
When asked whether the public should simply “forgive and forget” despite the impact of the error on candidates’ futures, Hon. Zubeuboku said: “We are not saying Nigerians should forget. But we are here to apologize and to assure everyone that the committee is taking concrete steps to prevent a recurrence.”
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging that updates would be provided once investigations are concluded.
“This experience is painful. It is not something we would wish on even our worst enemies. We sympathize with the candidates and their families. And we thank Nigerians for their patience,” he concluded.
