By Aaron Ossai
Amidst the outrage that had trailed mass failure in this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies has called for an independent investigation into the human errors that disrupted the conduct of the examination.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oforji Oboku said the Committee is working closely with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB on critical reforms aimed at restoring the credibility of the examination process.
According to the federal lawmaker, one of the key measures under consideration is the deployment of independent monitors across all six geopolitical zones to ensure transparency and accountability in future UTME exercises.
“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.
Speaking further, 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.
