Reps Call for External Audit of 2025 UTME, Offers National Apology

By Gloria Ikibah

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The House Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies has called the appointment of an independent team to probe the procedural mistakes that marred the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Chaieman of the Committee, Rep. Oforji Oboku, at a press briefing assured Nigerians that they are collaborating with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to implement sweeping reforms designed to rebuild trust in the testing process, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Among the proposed measures is the stationing of impartial observers in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to guarantee openness and accountability during future UTME sittings.

The committee also extended a formal apology to all affected candidates and their families for the disruption.

“We sincerely apologise to the candidates, their parents, and the Nigerian public. This disruption is unprecedented in the history of JAMB and must never happen again,” Oboku said.

He commended JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for his transparency and public apology, but maintained that the errors were entirely avoidable and pointed to institutional failure.

“The Registrar has shown rare courage by accepting responsibility, but we must be clear — this was a preventable lapse. Our students and the nation deserve better,” he stated.

Oboku further stressed the urgency of reform, warning that the education system cannot withstand another scandal of this scale.

“The push for accountability cannot be postponed. The integrity of our education system is at stake,” he added.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight, driving systemic reforms, and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s examination bodies.