JAMB: Let’s not make glitches become national crisis — Obi

Labour Party national leader, Peter Obi, has reacted to the recent technical glitches that affected the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, impacting 379,997 candidates.

Though he commended JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for his open admission of fault and expression of remorse, but noted that the incident highlights the persistent fragility of Nigeria’s institutional systems, which can have severe consequences.

The emotional and psychological toll on students and parents has been significant, with some reportedly suffering trauma and even death.

Obi, in a post on Thursday, stressed that the integrity of examination processes and reliability of public institutions are foundational to national progress.

He emphasised the need for comprehensive quality assurance frameworks, rigorous testing, and transparent communication to prevent future glitches.

According to Obi, there must be no room for further glitches in JAMB or any arm of government, as the cost of repeated failure is too high.

He urged critical institutions to prioritise reform and accountability to maintain public trust and ensure the country’s progress.

I recently watched the heartfelt press conference delivered by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, in which he acknowledged that technical glitches had affected the recently released JAMB results, impacting 379,997 candidates. His open admission of fault and the expression of deep remorse stand out as a rare but commendable display of accountability in our public institutions.

But it raises a very concerning issue on glitches and the grave havoc it’s creating in our country, even in critical institutions like JAMB.

While JAMB’s swift response and willingness to own up to its shortcomings are worthy of recognition, the incident has brought to light a far more troubling reality: the persistent fragility of our institutional systems.

The emotional and psychological toll on students, and even parents, some of whom have reportedly suffered severe trauma, and in heartbreaking cases, even death, serves as a reminder of what is at stake. The integrity of examination processes and the reliability of public institutions are not optional; they are foundational to any nation’s progress.

Going forward, JAMB and similar critical bodies must adopt comprehensive quality assurance frameworks. This includes rigorous testing and constant auditing of technical infrastructure. Moreover, transparent communication with candidates and stakeholders, coupled with the prompt resolution of arising issues, is essential to restoring public confidence.

There must be no room for further glitches – not in JAMB, not in any arm of government. The cost of repeated failure is simply too high.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE