Prof. Ishaq Oloyede Demonstrates Maturity and Strong Leadership in Addressing 2025 UTME Challenges – Prof. Badejo
Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has been commended for showing maturity and good leadership by openly admitting that there were flaws in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Political scientist and lawyer, Professor Babafemi Badejo, praised Oloyede for his empathy and readiness to take responsibility for the system’s shortcomings, as well as for implementing corrective actions. Badejo stressed the importance of focusing on preventive solutions to avoid a recurrence of the issues that marred the exam.
In a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Badejo, a former Deputy Special Representative for the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, highlighted the registrar’s consistent fight against corruption and commitment to reform within JAMB.
“Despite the uproar over the 2025 UTME, it is important to recognise the integrity-driven leadership of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede,” he said. “However, even strong leadership needs to be adaptive and listen to the cries of the people.”
He urged JAMB to continue refining its operations to improve the examination experience, noting that public reaction has been met with responsible and transparent action from the board.
Badejo called for a calm, evidence-based review of the 2025 UTME, describing it as both necessary and urgent.
Highlighting the need for greater digital literacy, especially in rural secondary schools, Badejo recommended that local governments invest more in modern, computer-based libraries and urged private entities to contribute through corporate social responsibility programs.
He proposed that Computer Based Test (CBT) simulation workshops should become mandatory for all UTME candidates, and that independent audits of CBT centres and software providers should be regularly conducted by regulatory bodies, including JAMB.
“The controversy surrounding the 2025 UTME, where over 75 percent of candidates scored below 200, has sparked outrage among parents and candidates on social media,” Badejo said. “This examination has become one of the most controversial in recent history—not just due to scores, but because of concerns over the system’s efficiency and the credibility of the results.”
He pointed out that many candidates experienced technical difficulties such as frozen screens, login problems, and abrupt logouts without saving their work—issues beyond their control.
Moreover, Badejo stressed the challenge of technological illiteracy, particularly among candidates from rural and low-income backgrounds who struggle with basic computer skills required to navigate the CBT platform.
“The solution is not to reject technological advancements but to democratise access to digital literacy,” he said. “This effort should involve society at large, including governance structures, and be more intentional in shaping the futures of Nigerian youths.”
He concluded by emphasizing that the UTME is more than just an examination; it is a vital platform for identifying and nurturing Nigeria’s future skilled workforce and technocrats.
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