By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Nzuko Umunna, a prominent pan-Igbo intellectual and advocacy group, has strongly condemned the recent technical glitch by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) which disrupted the UTME results of many candidates from the South East.
In a statement signed by Prof. Chinedu Nebo, President of Nzuko Umunna, and Dr. Uju Agomoh, Executive Secretary, the group described the incident as “very disturbing” and warned that such lapses, if unchecked, could jeopardize the educational future of students from the region and potentially extend to other national examinations like WAEC and NECO.
The group expressed deep concern over what it termed a “now notorious glitch”— likening it to the “INEC-style alibi for selective mutilation of processes.” It emphasized that failure to address the issue thoroughly would only embolden further irregularities in the nation’s examination systems.
“We must not allow this to truncate the future of our children,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the public apology issued by the JAMB Registrar, Nzuko Umunna criticized the board’s decision to schedule retake exams less than 48 hours after admitting fault. They described the move as insensitive, particularly given the logistical and emotional strain it places on affected candidates, many of whom were already sitting for the rescheduled exams today, 16th May 2025.
The group also made a firm call for JAMB to implement immediate result display at the end of each Computer-Based Test (CBT), pointing out that similar systems in global exams such as the GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL allow for instant score access.
“Displaying scores immediately after the exam ends will promote transparency, reduce suspicion, and help candidates take responsibility or challenge discrepancies promptly,” the group stated.
The statement concluded with a passionate appeal to all stakeholders to protect the integrity of the education system and the future of Nigerian children.