The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr. Mukhail Akinde, has attributed the low performance of candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to software malfunctions rather than incompetence or mismanagement by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) or its Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
Speaking with journalists at his office in Ilaro, Dr. Akinde emphasized that no technological system—no matter how advanced—is immune to occasional glitches. He cautioned the public against rushing to judgment, stating that it would be unfair to lay blame solely on the JAMB leadership without understanding the technical realities of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) systems.
“For us in academics, we speak with statistics. This year’s result is not a failure; it is a good result,” he stated. According to him, 50.29% of candidates scored between 160 and 199—a figure he described as being within an acceptable academic margin. He added that while the number may appear worrisome on the surface, it must be evaluated within historical and statistical contexts. Between 2018 and 2024, an average of 78.3% of candidates scored between 139 and 119, which did not raise as much public alarm.
Dr. Akinde was firm in his defense of JAMB’s leadership, commending Professor Oloyede’s role in overhauling an institution once marred by widespread irregularities. He noted that under Oloyede’s tenure, JAMB has not only improved operational transparency but also established itself as one of the most credible examination bodies in Nigeria.
“When Professor Oloyede came in as the Executive Registrar of JAMB, the institution was at the verge of being scrapped due to its level of ridiculous irregularity. But under his leadership, JAMB has been repositioned and has earned public confidence again,” Akinde said.
The rector also highlighted Oloyede’s integrity and leadership by pointing out how the Registrar took full responsibility for the software malfunctions—even though they were minor—and allowed affected candidates the chance to retake the examination. “For the first time, I am seeing a leader in this country take full responsibility for minor glitches. Unlike many African leaders who are quick to shift blame, Prof. Oloyede took responsibility and gave those affected an opportunity to rewrite the examination,” he said.
Akinde described as “naive and unwarranted” the calls by some quarters for the sanction or removal of the Registrar. “It’s painful that some candidates were affected, but it is wrong to judge a man’s leadership based on a rare glitch, especially when he has shown accountability and offered redress,” he added.
Addressing speculations that students performed poorly due to unfamiliarity with computers, Dr. Akinde refuted such claims. He pointed out that JAMB had ensured adequate preparation through mock examinations and that test-day procedures included detailed, step-by-step instructions on-screen to guide candidates.
“There were no ambiguities. Candidates were given step-by-step guidelines, and they had no choice but to read and understand them before attempting the questions,” he said.
Supporting this view, Mr. Ismail Odeyemi, the Coordinator of the CBT Centre at the polytechnic, explained that JAMB had simplified the examination process for ease of use. He detailed how the interface was made intuitive—with keyboard and mouse options, color-coded answer selection, and multiple prompts before final submission. He also noted that rough answer sheets were provided and that trained supervisors were available to assist candidates during the test.
“Each candidate had access to a keyboard and mouse. When an option is selected, the corresponding alphabet changes color from red to green—it’s self-explanatory,” Odeyemi said.
Engr. Frank Ajibodu, the institution’s Technical Officer, shed more light on candidate orientation. He said JAMB mandated a five-minute briefing at the beginning of each session to walk candidates through the interface, from starting the exam to submitting their answers. He emphasized that some challenges could be linked to “examiphobia”—a form of exam anxiety that existed even during the traditional paper-and-pencil testing era.
Ajibodu called for greater psychological preparedness and confidence-building among candidates, arguing that anxiety plays a significant role in candidate performance regardless of the testing format.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Akinde urged parents to take a more proactive role in shaping their children’s academic behavior. He advised against allowing secondary school students to own mobile phones, suggesting instead that such time and resources be devoted to studying and exam preparation.
“Parents must supervise their children more closely. Mobile phones, while useful, are often a source of distraction. Limiting their use can go a long way in ensuring academic focus,” he said.
Sources
- https://thenationonlineng.net/2025-utme-software-glitch-not-oloyede-to-blame-for-poor-performance-ilaro-poly-rector/amp/
- tps://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/2025-utme-no-perfect-technology-software-is-bound-to-malfunction/amp/
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