South East Senators Slam JAMB Over Exam Glitch, Demand Transparency
Lawmakers urge JAMB to clarify UTME disruption in South East, warn against repeat of discriminatory practices.
Senators from Nigeria’s South East region have strongly criticized the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over a widespread technical failure that disrupted the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), affecting all examination centres in the South East and some in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the South East Senate Caucus, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the glitch as “curious and highly suspicious,” warning that it risked eroding public trust in the nation’s educational system and potentially undermining the future of young people in the region.
“It would be disheartening—and we hope it’s not the case—that there is a deliberate agenda to marginalize our children’s educational prospects,” Abaribe said, calling for a full explanation from JAMB to restore confidence among affected communities.
The caucus acknowledged JAMB’s efforts to mitigate the disruption, including rescheduling the affected exams and the public apology issued by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede. However, the senators insisted these actions are not enough to allay deep concerns over the implications of the failure.
“The so-called glitch, suspicious as it appears, is capable of fueling mistrust and lowering national morale among the youth,” Abaribe warned. “Its exclusive impact on the South East demands clear answers and assurances.”
The senators expressed fears that the incident could be a symptom of broader systemic issues or even intentional discrimination, urging JAMB to ensure that educational processes remain free from bias, political interference, or regional marginalization.
They emphasized that equal access to education is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of national development. “Every Nigerian child, regardless of region, deserves an unfettered opportunity to learn, compete, and succeed,” the statement read.
The caucus also pledged to continue monitoring developments closely and to press for safeguards that prevent future occurrences. They called on JAMB and relevant education authorities to guarantee the integrity and inclusiveness of subsequent national examinations.
