UTME 2025: “Truck Pushers Can’t Direct Pilots”—JAMB Registrar Blasts Critics Over Resignation Calls

Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has responded strongly to critics calling for his resignation following challenges during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Speaking during a meeting with key stakeholders, including chief external examiners and civil society organizations in Abuja, Oloyede dismissed the calls for his resignation, stating that those criticizing his leadership lacked the qualifications to question his stewardship.

“Truck pushers cannot direct pilots,” he said, in reference to critics whom he believes are unqualified to advise on matters of education.

His remarks come in the wake of demands for his resignation, particularly from the South-East Caucus of the House of Representatives, following controversies that trailed this year’s UTME.

According to Professor Oloyede, JAMB would administer a special mop-up exam to students who legitimately missed the 2025 UTME, which will affect roughly 5.6% of all applicants.

“We’re developing a fresh mop-up. Even those who were absent and missed the previous exam will have another chance. It isn’t really noteworthy. In any educational environment, makeup tests are common.

He assured stakeholders that the mop-up will guarantee that no applicant is unfairly excluded and underlined JAMB’s continued commitment to inclusivity and fairness in the exam process.

Oloyede strongly refuted claims of administrative incompetence or ethnic partiality in response to charges that were based on conspiracy theories and ethnic narratives.

“They ask, ‘Where is he from?'” I never cared about that. I have collaborated with individuals based on their skills rather than their race. It is ridiculous to claim that this is a conspiracy.

He urged stakeholders and the media to refrain from politicizing educational matters, adding that ignorance and false information were the main causes of many public reactions.

Additionally, Oloyede reminded everyone that the UTME is a placement exam rather than an intelligence test.

Candidates are ranked by UTME for open spots in postsecondary institutions. It is not a definitive indicator of a student’s future or IQ.

He emphasized that a variety of factors, such as post-UTME results and institutional evaluations, are taken into consideration when applying to universities.

The Registrar spoke emotionally about the suicide of a 19-year-old candidate, Opesusi Timilehin, over low UTME scores. He called for a minute of silence in her honor at the meeting.

We were all broken by that catastrophe. Regrettably, there were also untrue claims; some parents called me claiming their kids had passed away, then demanded money.

He disclosed that he first thought about quitting because of the incident, but people who thought the candidates needed his leadership convinced him to go with it.

My initial response to this was to step down. However, I was told that the pupils would never forgive you since it would seem like you left them when they needed you most.

Oloyede remained mute during the meeting, despite the fact that many people anticipated the results of the delayed UTME to be announced on Wednesday. Dr. Fabian Benjamin, a JAMB spokesperson, promised that the results would be made public through a formal press release soon.

Oloyede thanked the participants and reaffirmed his dedication to accountability, openness, and equity in the performance of JAMB’s responsibilities as he wrapped up the meeting.

“Let’s avoid becoming like opportunists who take advantage of obstacles for their own or their political advantage. We’ll correct the issues and keep creating an exam system that Nigeria can be proud of.