…Demands Urgent Enquiry into Regional Disparities, Technical Breakdown

Prominent APC chieftain from Anambra State, Pharm. Chinedu Ikeagwuonwu Klinsmann, has issued a scathing condemnation of the widespread technical failures and systemic irregularities that marred the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He expressed deep concern over the disproportionate impact of these failures on candidates from the South-East geopolitical zone and Lagos State, regions historically noted for their academic competitiveness and excellence in national examinations.

In a strongly worded statement, Pharm. Klinsmann lamented that hundreds of thousands of candidates were reportedly unable to sit for their exams due to abrupt system crashes, power outages, faulty biometric authentication, and poor communication. Others were subjected to repeat sittings under compromised conditions, a development he described as not merely a technological failure but an administrative collapse that has unfairly penalized some of Nigeria’s brightest young minds.

He described the incident as a gross failure of duty on the part of JAMB and called on the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately launch an independent panel of inquiry to unravel the root causes of the systemic breakdown and address the glaring regional disparities in its impact. Klinsmann cited disturbing accounts from exam centers across Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and various locations in Lagos, where candidates were left stranded for hours, experienced sudden technical shutdowns mid-exam, or were asked to reschedule without notice or logistical support.

Klinsmann questioned why these failures seem to be concentrated in specific regions that are major contributors to Nigeria’s intellectual capital. He maintained that whether by design or negligence, this persistent pattern of regional failure must not be overlooked. Continuing to expose young people to such injustices, Klinsmann warned, sows seeds of disillusionment and undermines national unity.

Furthermore, Pharm. Klinsmann underscored the psychological trauma these disruptions have caused for many candidates who had spent months or even years preparing for the UTME, only to be greeted with chaos and humiliation. “Imagine the trauma of a young student waking up at 5 AM, arriving at a center in Lagos, only to wait for six hours and then be told the system is down; or the humiliation of being blamed for biometric errors that are no fault of theirs,” he lamented.

He referenced the tragic case of Miss Timilehin Faith Opesusi, the young girl resident in Lagos State, who reportedly took her life after receiving an unexpectedly low score in the 2025 UTME, calling the incident a sobering reminder of the consequences of systemic failure on mental health. As a registered pharmacist and mental health advocate, Klinsmann called on health authorities to provide psychological support for the affected students, many of whom are struggling with anxiety and trauma.

“Even though JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede had broken down in tears while publicly apologizing and assuming full responsibility for the 2025 UTME glitches, I’m of the view that remorse alone is not enough. Those responsible for the technical breakdown must be held accountable,” asserted Klinsmann. He argued that only when people are made to pay for the havoc they cause would institutions and individuals begin to take responsibility seriously.

Klinsmann also drew attention to the recurring nature of these failures in certain parts of the country. “In previous years, complaints had been raised about the poor quality of infrastructure, unreliable technology, and ill-trained proctors at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in politically marginalized zones,” he stated. To address this, Klinsmann called for a national audit of all CBT centers to enforce uniform standards and ensure that no child is left behind. He insisted that a child in Nnewi deserves the same access to reliable technology as one sitting for the same exam in Abuja.

Furthermore, Klinsmann stated that the 2025 UTME crisis exposes deep-rooted weaknesses in Nigeria’s educational system – ranging from digital inequality between regions, chronic underfunding of public educational infrastructure, to the lack of adequate contingency planning by key institutions. He warned that when some regions are consistently disadvantaged, the consequences go beyond education and touch on national security. “When we systematically disadvantage certain demographics, we are sowing seeds of resentment”.

Articulating a five-point demand to the Federal Ministry of Education and the JAMB leadership, Klinsmann called for the Immediate suspension of the ICT contractors involved in this year’s UTME deployment pending investigation. He also advocated the establishment of a fact-finding committee including civil society groups, students’ unions, and ICT experts to assess the failures.

In the same vein, Klinsmann rooted for regional audit of all affected centers in Lagos and the South-East, with recommendations for restitution. And in addition to the public apology from JAMB, Klinsmann demanded a commitment to open data on glitch reports and resolutions by the agency. He also demanded a re-examination or equitable placement options for all disadvantaged candidates.

“This is not about pointing fingers, but about securing justice and protecting the future of our nation,” he declared.

The APC Chieftain urged JAMB to move beyond reactive measures and focus on restoring public confidence through long-term reforms. He proposed the adoption of a digital oversight framework, possibly using blockchain technology, to provide transparent audit trails and safeguard against future manipulation or collapse of the system.

While calling on civil society groups, student bodies – especially the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), traditional institutions and other education advocates to raise their voices on the matter, Klinsmann also encouraged the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to urgently convene a South-East Education Accountability Forum. This, he said, would help map out a strategic roadmap for advocacy and engagement with federal education authorities to ensure such injustices never repeat themselves.

In a personal message to the affected students, Klinsmann offered words of encouragement, telling them they are not alone and that their future remains bright. He assured them that efforts are underway to secure justice and equity for all those who were unfairly treated. “To every candidate whose exam was disrupted, you are not alone. Your voice matters. Your future is worth fighting for. Do not lose hope, we are with you, and we will demand justice on your behalf, ” he said.

Concluding, Pharm. Klinsmann declared that the way this crisis is handled will serve as a litmus test for the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development and educational equity. “This is not just a test for our students – it is a test for our nation’s integrity. And the world is watching.”