Thousands Affected by Exam Glitches to Retake UTME 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially begun rescheduling the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 379,997 candidates who were affected by technical errors during the recently concluded exam. The rescheduling started on Thursday, May 15, 2025. 

This comes after JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, openly admitted to irregularities during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. 

Breakdown of Affected Candidates 

According to JAMB, 206,610 candidates from 65 centres in Lagos were affected, while 173,387 candidates from 92 centres across the South-East (Owerri zone) also experienced issues. The states affected in the South-East include Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. 

Prof. Oloyede explained that the problem stemmed from operational failures at certain centres. 

    “I apologise, I take full responsibility,” he said during the briefing. 

How and When to Check Rescheduled Dates 

Affected candidates are being notified through text messages from JAMB starting Thursday morning. The text message includes their new exam date, time, and centre. Candidates are advised to monitor their phones and email closely and also reprint their UTME slip via the JAMB portal for confirmation. 

An example of a rescheduled case shows that a candidate in Lagos has been reassigned to sit for her exam on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12 noon at a centre in Igando, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos. 

“This is not the fault of the candidates. It is our fault, and we are taking steps to correct it. I apologize and take full responsibility.” 

— Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar 

What Candidates Should Do 

    Reprint UTME slips via the JAMB portal or CBT centre. 

    Arrive early at the new centre to avoid any confusion. 

    Follow instructions strictly to avoid disqualification. 

This move by JAMB is a relief for many students who were uncertain about their admission chances due to the initial hitches. While the situation caused stress and disappointment, the rescheduling offers a second chance for affected candidates to prove themselves. 

Parents and guardians are also advised to support their wards through this period and ensure they’re well-prepared for the new exam dates. 

Stay alert. Check your messages. Prepare well.