The recent uproar surrounding the poor performance of students in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), alongside growing distrust in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has sparked nationwide concern and regional tensions.
JAMB’s published results reveal a troubling trend: over 75 per cent of candidates scored below 200 out of 400. This marks a continuation of a steady decline in performance since 2020. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tunji Alausa, attributed this decline largely to the shift toward the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format introduced by JAMB.
Yet the crisis extends beyond widespread low scores. A total of 379,997 candidates-primarily from South-East Nigeria and Lagos State-were reportedly affected by technical glitches and human errors. These issues rendered their results invalid. In a rare public admission, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, broke down in tears at a press conference, accepted responsibility, and announced a makeup UTME scheduled from Friday, May 16 to Monday, May 19, 2025.
However, the decision to reschedule the exam on short notice has drawn criticism. Many argue that the affected candidates, already emotionally distressed, were not given sufficient time to prepare. The Board’s plan to inform them via bulk SMS-a method known for its 50-60 per cent delivery rate-was also seen as inadequate, potentially excluding half of those impacted. Critics argue, JAMB should have either extended the resit period or leveraged digital answer scripts for regrading-unless, of course, such retrieval technology is unavailable.
Multiple factors likely contribute to the consistent underperformance of UTME candidates, yet the nation has seemingly accepted this dismal trend as standard. Each year, JAMB meets with university vice-chancellors, and low results are normalised. Consequently, universities scramble to admit the 25 per cent who scored above 200, often lowering their standards to fill quotas. This is especially evident in the profit-driven expansion of private universities.
The 2025 UTME debacle has exposed long-standing systemic flaws. Embracing digital-only exams demands greater readiness-both from service providers and from candidates. Reports from CBT centres include system malfunctions, frozen screens, login errors, and lost answers. Some candidates were unable to navigate subjects or submit their tests. These failures were beyond their control.
Whether due to technical incompetence or deliberate sabotage, the damage is clear. Some speculate that JAMB or its leadership-particularly Prof. Oloyede-may have been targeted. Over the past nine years, Oloyede has returned billions of naira in surpluses to the national treasury, earning both praise and scrutiny. While JAMB is not a revenue-generating agency, this unusual financial transparency has boosted its public image.
Despite this crisis, Prof. Oloyede showed commendable leadership, accepting responsibility, and taking immediate corrective action. The priority now must be to implement lasting solutions that prevent future failures. Leadership must be both principled and responsive to the public outcry.
Beyond the technical breakdowns and poor performance statistics, the UTME crisis had a tragic human cost, with at least one student reportedly taking their own life. Widespread irregularities have undermined trust in Nigeria’s educational meritocracy, reducing years of student effort to nothing.
The use of flawed software systems lacking safeguards has had catastrophic consequences. Essential reforms must include external audits, system redundancies, and real-time monitoring. JAMB’s initial poor communication only deepened public anxiety, underlining the need for greater transparency and independent oversight.
What is required now is a complete overhaul of JAMB’s technical infrastructure and a new communication strategy grounded in empathy and student welfare. Broader systemic reforms must follow, including more inclusive admission criteria and better support structures for students.
This crisis presents an opportunity-a solemn one-for sweeping reforms that centre students’ needs. Transformative action must be taken, not just in response to this scandal, but in honour of the life lost and to restore public trust.
Finally, an urgent and impartial investigation must uncover the true causes of these failures. Those found culpable must be held accountable. If we move forward without consequences, both JAMB’s reputation and that of its leadership may suffer irreparable damage.

Nigeria faces a critical crisis as rampant killings undermine our nationhood. The diminishing value of human life has led to a troubling desensitisation, where violence fails to provoke necessary outrage. What was once shocking has now become commonplace, posing a significant threat to our society. Recent statistics play up a grim reality, with over 100 lives lost to violence in various states in just the past few weeks.
In Plateau State, over 62 innocent people were killed by suspected land-grabbers in Bokkos Local Government Area, leaving the community in shock and survivors traumatized. Governor Caleb Muftwang labeled the attacks as “genocide,” showing the grave threat to these communities. Despite visits from top security officials, no suspects have been apprehended, contrasting sharply with responses in other incidents.
Kebbi, Benue, and Sokoto States have not been spared this wave of bloodshed. In Kebbi, Lakurawa terrorists attacked Morai village in Augie LGA, killing at least 13 vigilante members who had dedicated themselves to protecting their community. Meanwhile, in Sokoto, 12 people fell to the bullets of bandits allegedly led by the notorious kingpin Bello Turji during their attack on Lugu town in Isa LGA, reportedly while returning from a Sallah visit to a nearby community. The latest mass killings have claimed nearly 150 lives in Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. This replicates a similar pattern over the past two decades.
The unfortunate incident in Uromi, Edo State, presents a different dimension to the violence, where about 16 persons traveling for Eid-el-Fitri celebrations were brutally murdered by vigilante members who suspected them of being kidnappers. While vigilantism represents a dangerous tendency born of desperation, it is equally concerning that unlike countless other killings where perpetrators escape justice, authorities swiftly arrested nearly 20 suspects in this case, creating the impression of selective justice based on who the victims are or where they come from.
The differing responses to these incidents demonstrate inconsistency in valuing Nigerian lives. When authorities show uneven dedication to justice, it implies that some lives are prioritised over others, undermining the social contract and harming national unity. The quick arrests after the Uromi incident illustrate that efficient action is possible, prompting questions about the lack of similar efforts in other cases of mass violence.
In many civilised nations, governments implement measures to prevent senseless killings and deliver swift justice. In contrast, Nigeria appears to be encouraging its citizens to accept violence as a normal part of life. This acceptance signifies a troublous neglect of the state’s duty to protect its people, resulting in a rise in vigilantism as citizens seek their own help when they feel abandoned.
The regularity with which Nigerians meet horrendous ends and the speed with which the nation moves on speaks to a profound moral crisis at the heart of our society. That such relentless killings occur in a country not officially at war is both incomprehensible and deeply disturbing. While many nations struggle with sporadic acts of violence, the scale and frequency of Nigeria’s bloodshed set it apart as a particularly discomforting case study in failed security governance, requiring urgent intervention before the situation deteriorates beyond remedy.
Though Boko Haram-type terrorism represents a global challenge that many countries grapple with, Nigeria’s situation is made more terrifying by the homegrown nature of much of its violence. The involvement of both Nigerian citizens and invaders from neighbouring countries, apparently intent on permanent resettlement through violent land grabbing, adds complex dimensions to an already dire security situation that demands comprehensive solutions.
This ugly narrative must change if Nigeria is to survive as a cohesive entity. The government must demonstrate unwavering commitment to protecting every Nigerian life regardless of ethnicity, religion, or region. The perceived prioritisation of foreign invaders and their livestock due to blood relationships between these invaders and some political leaders or security officials will only accelerate the unraveling of our national fabric if allowed to continue unchecked, fostering deeper divisions in an already fragmented society.
Nigerian political leadership must develop the necessary political will and courage to confront these challenges head-on. President Bola Tinubu has a historic opportunity to transform Nigeria’s reputation by placing a premium on human life and ensuring that security agencies fulfil their mandate to protect all citizens equally. Addressing the root causes of violence—whether economic, political, or social—must become a central priority of governance at all levels if sustainable peace is to be achieved.
The disquieting statement by the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS) that Nigerians should defend themselves against terrorism sparked public outrage. This accentuates a worrisome abdication of duty and deepening distrust in security institutions. Further, it contradicts Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s (Acting Chief of Army Staff) promise of justice for the Plateau killings—assurances many view skeptically due to past inaction.
For Nigeria to move forward, justice must be fair and consistent across the country. Every life lost to violence warrants thorough investigation, regardless of the victim’s background. Our nation’s progress hinges on comprehensive security measures that not only address immediate threats but also the root causes of violence, such as economic opportunity, political inclusion, resource equity, and transparent governance. Without these integrated solutions, we risk merely treating symptoms while the underlying issues persist, menacing both individual lives and the nation’s unity and potential.

Nigerian workers observed this year’s May Day on the 1st of May in a somber tone, offering little cause
for celebration. The purpose of this day is to acknowledge the important role of workers in contributing to the growth and development of society. The occasion is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm across the world. Ever since achieving independence, the labour movement in the country has persistently raised concerns regarding the country’s protracted battle for effective governance.
This year’s May Day theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” underscores a critical issue facing societies worldwide. In an era marked by rising living costs, stagnant wages, and growing unemployment, economic hardship has become a pervasive challenge impacting individuals, families, and entire communities. Against this backdrop, the theme serves as both a rallying cry and a call to action—urging workers to assert their rights, amplify their voices, and actively participate in civic life. It highlights the pressing need to protect and expand civic space even in the face of adversity.
A confluence of economic woes plagues Nigerian workers, which paints a bleak picture of their current realities. High unemployment casts a long shadow, while hyperinflation erodes purchasing power and deepens financial insecurity. This dire situation is further exacerbated by pervasive insecurity, widening income inequality, and the persistent issue of abysmally low wages that fail to meet basic needs. The hardships have only intensified following President Bola Tinubu’s policy decisions to remove petrol subsidies and allow the naira to float, further straining the already stretched resources of ordinary Nigerian workers.
The cost-of-living crisis in the country is a flinty reality for its workforce, exacerbated by the persistent issues of low wages and rising unemployment. While the official unemployment rate may appear to have drastically improved to 5.0 per cent after the National Bureau of Statistics’ rebasing in 2023, many view this figure with skepticism, remembering the previous rate of 33.3 per cent. The reality for many Nigerians is far more challenging, particularly for young people, who face an unemployment rate of 18 per cent.
Nigerian workers are facing a severe economic crisis that is impacting every aspect of their lives. Rampant inflation, eroding purchasing power, with food inflation hitting a staggering level. This dramatic surge in prices is outpacing wage growth, leaving many struggling to afford basic necessities. The volatile exchange rate, with the naira fluctuating wildly against the dollar, adds another layer of instability.
The nation’s economy faces a precarious situation, teetering on the brink of crisis. With a staggering 98 per cent of Federal Government revenue dedicated to debt servicing, very little remains for essential public services and infrastructure development. This dire fiscal constraint is compounded by the country’s high crude oil production costs, severely limiting profitability and undermining the oil sector’s potential contribution to national revenue.
Simultaneously, the economy is suffering from a sharp decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), signalling a loss of investor confidence and further exacerbating the economic downturn. The exorbitant cost of governance acts as another significant drain on public finances, diverting resources away from crucial areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Additionally, many state governments are unable to implement the current 70,000 minimum wage. Their usual excuse is that the resources are not there. Several of them owe salaries and pensions.
Workers are notably disadvantaged in terms of their understanding and ability to avail themselves of middle-class securities and privileges. It is observed that basic amenities such as family vacations, social security, health insurance, and mortgage loans, which are common in other parts of the world, are considered to be a luxury in our country. As a result, workers are at risk of being poor, and this implies that they are only a paycheque away from falling into abject poverty.
While public sector job opportunities are finite, a favourable environment can enable the private sector to generate additional employment. The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress should unite to advocate for a transparent, vibrant private-led economy that creates jobs and prosperity for all workers. Governments at all levels should enhance workers’ welfare by operating efficient administrations based on contemporary business principles. State governors must make timely payment of salaries and pensions their priority.
A suitable work environment, and the provision of a living wage, should be given utmost priority by all tiers of government. The growing number of strikes across Nigeria underscores the urgent need for the authorities to tackle the problem. It is distressing that the national minimum wage in our country is below the estimated monthly maintenance cost of a typical pet dog in the United Kingdom.
This year’s May Day presents an opportunity for both federal and state governments to tackle the increasing unemployment rates across the nation by formulating effective strategies aimed at generating additional job opportunities. The authorities can expedite their commitment to assist millions of Nigerians in breaking free from poverty by creating additional job opportunities within the agriculture sector, which possesses the capacity to employ a large number of individuals.
To strengthen its economic stability, the Nigerian government should actively seek to decrease its dependence on crude oil. Nigeria has the opportunity to build a stronger financial future by directing resources towards diversifying its economy, especially through investments in the agricultural sector and solid mineral industries. Implementing this well-thought-out strategy has the potential to strengthen economic stability and foster sustainable practices across different industries. Moreover, they are required to deal with the rising levels of insecurity that result from clashes between herders and farmers, in addition to the problems associated with banditry and insurgency.