The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sparked significant legal controversies due to reported irregularities.
Among other things, the Board faces litigation risks for systemic failures. JAMB faces multiple lawsuits over alleged technical glitches, delayed exams, and withheld results.
Some of these lawsuits include a N10 billion class-action suit which alleges violations of constitutional rights and the Child Rights Act (Section 15), citing psychological trauma and compromised academic futures.
Also, plaintiffs are seeking court orders to nullify the 2025 results, mandate a re-examination, and obtain damages for “loss of opportunity”.
Over 8,391 candidates have reportedly joined the lawsuit, arguing that JAMB’s technical inefficiencies invalidate the examination’s integrity.
The legal implications of irregularities in Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations also encompass contractual disputes, criminal liability, and systemic accountability challenges.
These issues affect candidates, examination administrators, and third-party actors, with consequences ranging from financial penalties to reputational damage.
Analysts have argued that among possible allegations is a breach of contract and intent to defraud.
According to them, JAMB’s acceptance of registration fees from candidates creates a contractual obligation to deliver examination results.
Withholding results without prior disclosure-such as the 2025 case involving 40,247 underage candidates-has been criticized as fraudulent under Section 419 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act.
Candidates also argue that JAMB’s failure to publish results after accepting payment constitutes obtaining money under false pretenses, exposing the board to potential class-action lawsuits.
Candidates have threatened lawsuits over administrative failures.
For example, technical glitches during the 2025 UTME prompted demands for remedial measures, with JAMB agreeing to review results.
Similarly, families of underage candidates whose results were withheld are exploring litigation to compel transparency, arguing that withholding results or mass disqualifications erode public trust.
The 2025 #ThisIsNotMyResult movement highlighted how low scores and alleged glitches damaged JAMB’s credibility.
Conversely, candidates convicted of malpractice face long-term reputational harm, affecting future educational and employment opportunities
Critics argue JAMB accepted registration fees (totaling ₦289 million) without prior disclosure of age restrictions, constituting “obtaining under false pretenses”.
Legal experts contend withholding results violates candidates’ right to education and transparency, potentially triggering further lawsuits.
Some persons have also suggested that Courts may prioritize protecting minors from institutional negligence, as seen in the current ₦10 billion suit.
Interested parties including the National Assembly the Ohanaeze Ndigbo have questioned the prevalence of irregularities in particular sections of the country, suggesting a possible profiling.
In summary, JAMB’s handling of the 2025 UTME exposes it to civil liability for operational failures, criminal prosecution for malpractice, and systemic reforms to restore credibility. The outcomes of pending lawsuits could set critical precedents for educational governance in Nigeria.
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