Let me begin this article by registering my displeasure with the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for breaching candidates ‘rights to know, and my preparedness to coordinate class action on behalf of the underage candidates (so-called) and their families. These are candidates who were made to sit for the JAMB-organised UTME but had their results withheld for no other reason other than being profiled as ‘underage’. The affected candidates and parents deserve better.
For the records, JAMB charged and accepted N7,200 as exam registration fees from these so-called underage candidates numbering 40, 247. In other words, JAMB knew they were underage and went ahead and obtained under false pretences a total sum of N289,778,400 from these unsuspecting candidates because at no time before the contract of registration was consummated did JAMB fully disclose that the results of the underage candidates would be withheld. What else is fraud under Section 419 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria?
JAMB knowingly subjected these candidates to the rigours of preparing for the UTME exam, making some go to the examination centre as early as 6 am to sit for the exam, knowing it has no intention of delivering or publishing their results, which is the sole intent of preparing and sitting for the exam. Due to JAMB’s untidy arrangements, some of these teens went missing and their lives were lost in road accidents, yet JAMB, at the last hour and without notice, withheld their UTME results. JAMB is being clever by half and cannot get away with this broad day heist without consequences. Legally and morally, JAMB owes a duty, responsibility and obligation to release the results without prejudice because the candidates who sat for the exams are entitled to know their performance. Otherwise, JAMB will be held accountable for improper, reprehensible and unconscionable conduct.
Except JAMB does the right thing and does so immediately, we will look forward to meeting them in court on behalf of the over 40,247 candidates. I believe the court will see reason to deprecate the Board’s conduct. The reason we urge for an independent judiciary in a democracy is to check legislative impunity, and executive recklessness, and for the judiciary to remain the last hope of the common man. We will exploit all constitutional rights in pursuit of this cause.
On the above premise, my interest in this matter is to advocate for the voiceless teens who are not just anguished and traumatised by JAMB’s highhanded approach, unjust profiling and unwarranted victimisation but face a future laden with agony of uncertainty. The crocodile tears of JAMB Registrar whose incompetence caused a child to commit suicide is not adequate to compensate for the lost life. He should resign his position along with the Minister of Education. If you are reading this opinion and you are an aggrieved parent or know anyone whose child is a victim of JAMB aggression, kindly get in touch with me. We will win for these kids if we band together like a team. JAMB’s orthodoxy can be successfully challenged. We can make the Board behave well. With a coordinated effort, we can protect these unfortunate victims and save the future. Enough is enough!
Recall that in 1978, the Federal Government of Nigeria established the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), an entrance examination board that conducts entrance examinations for prospective students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The aim was to reduce the chaos and confusion associated with multiple entrance examinations conducted by individual institutions. In other words, JAMB was established to streamline the admission process, ensure merit and standards into tertiary institutions education in Nigeria.
While JAMB has played a significant role in shaping the Nigerian education system, there are arguments that the board’s usefulness may be waning due to various challenges, inefficiencies and controversies, including allegations of examination malpractices, technical glitches, and result discrepancies. The 2025 UTME and the multitude of complaints exposed JAMB’s incompetence and too many flaws. While the Nigerian education system is evolving, the exam body has shown a lack of adaptability, thus prompting some to argue that JAMB’s role may need to be redefined to accommodate new trends and innovations in education.
JAMB’s recent decision to withhold the results of thousands of candidates, citing underage and scoring below the threshold, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. This action is not only unjust but also inhumane, leaving many innocent children traumatised and in anguish. As an examining body, JAMB has a responsibility to release the results of all candidates who sat for the exam, regardless of their age or performance. The only acceptable reason where JAMB can withhold o result is where there are proven cases of malpractices or irregularities.
Withholding the results of these so-called underage candidates without allowing them to know their scores is a gross injustice. Every candidate who sat for the exam has the right to know their performance, and JAMB’s actions have denied them this fundamental right. The board’s decision has created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety among the affected candidates, which can have long-term psychological effects on their academic and personal lives.
JAMB, as an examination body, ought to know and should know that releasing the results of the affected candidates would have several benefits. Knowing their scores would enable the candidates to assess their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and work towards better performance in future exams. Releasing results will also show transparency and accountability on the side of JAMB. Releasing the results would demonstrate JAMB’s commitment to transparency and accountability, which are essential for building trust in the examination process, especially now that the board is in the eyes of the storm.
If JAMB releases the results of these underage candidates, it would have fulfilled its mandate and reduced anxiety and uncertainty among the anxious candidates. By releasing the results, JAMB would alleviate the anxiety and uncertainty that the candidates are currently experiencing, allowing them to plan their next steps with confidence.
JAMB must understand that, as a board, it is not an island and that there are consequences for bad behaviour. The consequences of withholding the results of the affected candidates could be severe, including loss of trust in the examination process. JAMB’s actions could erode the trust and confidence that candidates and the general public have in the examination process, leading to widespread disillusionment and discontent. The prolonged uncertainty and anxiety caused by withholding the results have already caused severe psychological trauma, which could have long-term effects on the mental health and well-being of the affected candidates. A victim who reached out to me to voice out her frustration was crying and sobbing, the same question, ‘what kind of country is this?’ If an examination body breaks the hearts of children and makes them question the kind of country they have, which will deny them their basic right, then I fear for the future of Nigeria.
I dare say that if JAMB fails to release the withheld results of these profiled underage candidates, it may face legal action from the affected candidates and their families, which could lead to costly litigation and damage to the board’s reputation.
I therefore strongly demand that JAMB release the withheld results immediately. The board has a responsibility to treat all candidates fairly and with dignity, regardless of their age or performance. Withholding the results of innocent candidates just because they are underage is not only unjust but also inhumane. I urge JAMB to reconsider its decision and release the results of all candidates who sat for the exam.
I believe that the affected candidates have a basic right to know their scores, and JAMB’s actions are a clear breach of this basic right. Together with affected parents who may be willing to follow this cause to a logical conclusion, we will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that JAMB releases the results and treats the candidates with the dignity and respect they deserve. Failure to do so will result in legal action, and we will not rest until justice is served