……As Group Plans Mass Protest, Legal Action to Force Their Removal
Muslim Group Drums Support for Oloyede
By Francis Ekeh
Despite openly admitting to mistakes and apologizing for the poor conduct of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Nigerians from various walks of life are mounting pressure on the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, to resign or be sacked by the federal government.
Similarly, the Director-General/Chief Executive of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, is reportedly under pressure to resign over alleged poor performance in office.
While Oloyede is being called to step down over technical glitches that led to widespread failure in the 2025 UTME, the NYSC DG faces accusations of financial impropriety, procurement violations, and mismanagement of NYSC activities and programs. He assumed office in March 2025, succeeding Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed.
In Oloyede’s case, public dissatisfaction has intensified following his admission of errors in the conduct of the 2025 UTME.
Meanwhile, a non-governmental organization, the Trustfund Empowerment Initiatives (TEI), in collaboration with other civil society groups, has announced plans for a massive rally at the National Assembly, Abuja, on Friday to demand the removal of both the JAMB Registrar and the NYSC DG.
In a letter dated May 15, 2025, titled “Invitation to Press Conference and Advocacy March”, addressed to the Editor of New National Star Newspapers, the group stated that the rally would be preceded by a press conference at the NUJ Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The events aim to address allegations of financial misconduct, procurement irregularities, and mismanagement within both agencies. The letter was signed by Comrade Musa Alkali.
Last week, JAMB—through its Registrar—admitted to lapses in the 2025 UTME.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Oloyede said, “I apologize for the trauma caused the candidates,” while appearing visibly emotional.
“What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors,” he noted. “We set all machineries in order; regardless, there were still errors.”
Out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the UTME, over 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of a possible 400.
The Registrar also broke down in tears over the issues arising from the exam.
In another development, the National Ameer of Daaru-r-Rahmat Islamic Society (DARMAT), Sheikh Misibaudeen Olawale, has praised the integrity and accountability of Prof. Oloyede amid the controversy surrounding the UTME results.
In a statement made available to journalists, Sheikh Olawale said: “Prof. Oloyede’s leadership is a great lesson for the nation. He has taken full responsibility for the hitches and offered a clear explanation.”
He added, “Oloyede’s acceptance of the errors is rare among government officials. He should be commended for his honesty and transparency.”
While acknowledging the disappointment caused by the glitches, Olawale urged Nigerians to recognize the sincerity, strength of character, and integrity shown by the JAMB boss.
“As a Muslim group, we are not pleased with the situation, but we appreciate Prof. Oloyede’s refusal to trade blame, despite having ample opportunity and evidence to do so,” he said.
He concluded with a call for understanding and support: “This is a human error. Let us assist JAMB in taking proactive steps to recover from this setback. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Q73:20).”