Nigeria’s opposition figure, Peter Obi, has decried the technical glitches experienced by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board in the just-concluded UTME examinations, citing it as a symptom of an overall systemic crisis plaguing the country.

“There must be no room for further glitches—not in JAMB, not in any arm of government,” Mr Obi said in a statement on Thursday. “The cost of repeated failure is simply too high and raises a very concerning issue on glitches and the grave havoc it’s creating in our country, even in critical institutions like JAMB.”

In a press conference on Wednesday, JAMB registrar Ishaq Oloyede broke into tears while admitting technical glitches affected no fewer than 379,997 candidates who sat for the just-concluded examinations.

Mr Oloyede added that the examination body had concluded plans to reschedule the affected candidates to rewrite the examinations.

Mr Obi commended Mr Oloyede for acknowledging the error, noting that the registrar’s open admission and deep remorse are a rare but commendable display of accountability in Nigeria’s public institutions.

The former Anambra governor, however, noted the development represents the recurring fragility that characterises several institutional systems in the country.

“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,” Mr Obi noted.

He added, “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.”

Mr Obi stressed the need for JAMB and other public institutions in the country to adopt quality assurance frameworks to ensure effective operations and restore public confidence.

“Going forward, JAMB and similar critical bodies must adopt comprehensive quality assurance frameworks. This includes rigorous testing and constant auditing of technical infrastructure,” said the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party. “Moreover, transparent communication with candidates and stakeholders, coupled with the prompt resolution of arising issues, is essential to restoring public confidence.”