UTME Error: NOA Commends JAMB’s Transparency, Tells Agency To Address Concerns

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has applauded the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for what it called its exceptional transparency and accountability in addressing the challenges that followed the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

NOA, in a statement issued in Abuja by its Deputy Director of Media & Communication, Paul Odenyi, described JAMB’s open acknowledgement of its lapses as a “rare and commendable act of leadership, one that reflects a deep sense of institutional responsibility.”

Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, lauded JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede for demonstrating the kind of integrity and courage demanded by public leadership.

He said this act of forthrightness was not only a testament to Oloyede’s personal values, but also aligned with the principles of the National Values Charter (NVC), which enjoins public institutions to operate with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Mallam Onilu, however, emphasised the need for JAMB to go a step further by initiating remedial measures that directly address the concerns of candidates, parents, and other stakeholders affected by the errors.

“While recognition of mistakes is the first step, redemption and restitution are other necessary steps to be taken. Having decided to provide another opportunity to the candidates as a way of redeeming the errors, it is imperative that JAMB considers appropriate compensation to mitigate the stress and anxiety these candidates may have suffered,” he said.

He further stressed the unwavering commitment of the NOA to promoting a governance culture anchored in trust, integrity, and mutual respect between citizens and institutions.

“JAMB’s example should serve as a model for other public institutions. When institutions own their mistakes and act to correct them, they earn the respect and confidence of the people,” he stated.

Reflecting on the Citizen Codes under the National Values Charter, the NOA DG reiterated that leadership is a collective responsibility.

“Every citizen, whether in public service or private life, has a duty to uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, and transparency. These values are not optional—they are the pillars of a just and equitable society.”

Mallam Onilu reaffirmed the resolve of the agency to continue its advocacy for responsible leadership and value-driven citizenship.

He noted that the agency’s campaign to entrench the ideals of the National Values Charter across all levels of society will remain a central focus, as Nigeria strives toward a more ethical, inclusive, and responsible governance culture.