The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives has called for the immediate cancellation of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), citing what it described as widespread irregularities and a national embarrassment in the conduct of the examination.

In a strongly worded statement released to the press, the caucus, led by Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, who represents Afikpo North/Afikpo South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to fix a new date for the examination across the country.

The lawmakers expressed deep dissatisfaction with the technological failures and logistical challenges that marred the 2025 UTME, saying such lapses have undermined the integrity of the examination and shaken public confidence in the nation’s educational system.

“The apologies and public relations campaigns by JAMB are not sufficient in addressing the far-reaching implications of the national embarrassment that attended the conduct of the 2025 UTME,” the statement read. “There is an urgent need to restore credibility to the examination process and reassure Nigerians, especially prospective students, of the sanctity of national examinations.”

The caucus went further to demand the immediate suspension of those responsible for JAMB’s digital operations and examination logistics. They argued that accountability must accompany leadership roles, particularly in critical national institutions.

Describing Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, as a man of integrity, the lawmakers nonetheless called on him to step aside in the interest of transparency and accountability.

“The Registrar of JAMB is said to be a good man, but then, leadership must carry consequences. We therefore call on Professor Ishaq Oloyede to do the needful by resigning his appointment, to pave way for a thorough examination and remediation of the root causes of this national shame. That’s the way to go in any civilised democracy, and we expect no less,” the caucus stated.