A South West chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has descended on the Management of the Joint Admission And Matriculation Board, (JAMB) over the handling of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Ajadi said this in reaction to report of a candidate who scored 150 in the examinations, but days after the examination, he checked again following public outcry and found out that his mark had been reduced to 120.

Also, at Odogunyan in Ikorodu Area of Lagos State, one Faith Opesusi, 19 years, killed herself with poison after she found out that she was given 146 out of 400 points.

Her father revealed that Faith could not understand the reason having read day and night.

“She had a high score in 2024 UTME. This year, she was given 146. The pain of it drove her to commit suicide,” he stated.

However, on Wednesday, JAMB acknowledged discrepancies in the results of some candidates who took the 2025 UTME.

JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, addressed the findings, apologizing for the errors and taking full responsibility.

He announced that candidates from 157 out of 882 examination centers would be given a chance to retake the test, with the rescheduled exams starting on Friday, 16 May 2025.

Ajadi, in a statement, on Friday, condemned the conduct of the examination which is the only avenue for millions of students to be admitted into universities, polytechnics and the colleges of education.

Ajadi said the excuse by the JAMB Registrar and his apology cannot save those who have died and millions of students whose future has been affected.

He noted that the rescheduled of resit for the affected students within a short time is not the best way for students to prepare for examination.

He called on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education to institute a probe of the JAMB activities which led to the recent embarrassment, adding that those found culpable should be punished.

According to the statement, “The recent admission of errors by JAMB in the conduct of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME) is an embarrassment to the nation. JAMB has through its inefficiency caused sorrow for families who lost their loved ones as a result of frustration in the recent conduct of exam.

He sympathised with Faith’s family and other families and students going through difficult times due to the result.

Thehe 2023 governorship candidate of NNPP made recommendations that could help JAMB authorities to achieve an examination with the highest level of integrity and transparency.

“After a massive error that occurred, there is no need to rush. JAMB must take enough time to be able to conduct a credible examination.”

“Ensure that the examination process is transparent, with clear instructions, fair marking schemes, and prompt release of results.

“Provide adequate infrastructure, including sufficient seating, lighting, and ventilation, to ensure that students can take the examination in a conducive environment.

“4. Trained Invigilators: Ensure that invigilators are properly trained to prevent examination malpractice and provide clear instructions to students.

“Consider engaging independent monitors to oversee the examination process and provide an objective assessment of the conduct of the examination.”

Ajadi reiterated that JAMB must take all necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming UTME retake is conducted with integrity, transparency, and fairness.

“By doing so, JAMB can restore the confidence of students and stakeholders in the examination process and ensure that the academic future of our students is protected,” he said.