The coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and concerned citizens have decried the silence of the region’s Governors and Commissioners of education over the 2025 JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The JAMB leadership recently admitted and took responsibility of the widespread irregularities and apparent systemic failures that marred the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) in the South-East and some areas in Lagos State.
The 17 CSOs and 12 concerned citizens in a three-page statement, which was fully jointly signed on Tuesday in Enugu, described the “conspicuous silence from the executive arm of South-East governments as both worrisome, perplexing and unsettling.”
The statement is titled: “The Silence that Speaks Volumes: South-East Governors and Commissioners of Education, Your Constituents Demand Your Voice on the JAMB Crisis.”
“We, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and concerned citizens deeply rooted in South-East Nigeria and committed to the development of youth and children therein, write today with a profound sense of urgency and disappointment.
“The recent widespread irregularities and apparent systemic failures that marred the 2025 UTME, disproportionately impacting the aspirations of our young people, have been met with a silence from your esteemed offices that is both deafening and deeply concerning.
“The cries of anguish and frustration from our students and their parents across the South-East are palpable.
“Reports of technical glitches, server failures, biometric errors, and inexplicably low scores have painted a distressing picture of an examination process that has failed a significant number of our brightest minds,” it said.
The statement lamented the subsequent admission of errors by JAMB affecting a staggering number of candidates in the region.
It also bemoaned the hastily arranged supplementary (resit) examination that had itself been plagued by reports of exam centre mix-ups and last-minute venue changes, only underscores the severity of the situation and the additional burdens placed upon the students.
“To the Esteemed Governors of the South East States – His Excellency Gov. Alex Otti (Abia), His Excellency Gov. Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), His Excellency Gov. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), His Excellency Gov. Peter Mbah (Enugu State), His Excellency Gov. Hope Uzodimma (Imo).
“Your respective Commissioners of Education – Chief Goodluck Ubochi (Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Abia); Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh (Commissioner for Education, Anambra); Prof. Ndubueze Mbah (Commissioner for Education, Enugu State); Prof. Paul Nwobashi (Commissioner for Education, Ebonyi), Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha (Commissioner for Education, Imo).
“Our governors and commissioners of education are the direct representatives of the people at the state level, the custodians of their welfare, and the champions of their progress, particularly in the crucial realm of education.
“In this moment of widespread distress and perceived injustice, their voices are not just important – they are essential,” it said.
The statement, however, noted that silence of political leadership in the region would be interpreted in several damaging ways:
“A perceived lack of concern: It may suggest that the profound disappointment and setback experienced by our students are not being given the due attention they deserve at the highest levels of state governance.
“A missed opportunity for advocacy: Your collective voice would carry significant weight in demanding greater transparency, accountability, and a thorough investigation into the systemic issues within JAMB that have seemingly plagued our region more severely.
“A failure to provide leadership and reassurance: Our students and their families look to you for leadership and support during times of crisis. Your silence can leave them feeling abandoned and unheard.
“A tacit acceptance of potential discrimination: The disproportionate impact on the South-East raises serious questions that demand answers.
“Your silence could inadvertently lend credence to the notion that the concerns of our constituents are not being treated with the urgency and seriousness they warrant,” it said.
The statement said that the CSOs and respected citizens clearly understood the complexities of intergovernmental relations, “but the education and future of our youth transcend political boundaries.”
“This is not merely a JAMB issue; it is a South East issue. It is about ensuring a fair and equitable playing field for our students, protecting their dreams, and safeguarding the integrity of the educational system that is meant to uplift them.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the South-East Senate Caucus in raising their voices at the national level,” it said.
The statement made four critical demands, which included: a thorough and transparent investigation; adding that stakeholders need to understand the root causes of these widespread failures and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“A comprehensive review of JAMB’s systems and processes: To prevent future occurrences and ensure the integrity of the examination process for all Nigerian students.
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“Concrete assurances and measures to support the affected students: Beyond the supplementary examination, what steps will be taken to mitigate the psychological and academic impact on these young individuals?
“A clear commitment to advocating for the fair treatment of South-East students: Your unified voice will send a strong message that any form of systemic discrimination or
negligence affecting our students will not be tolerated,” it said.
The statement noted that the future of youths in the region hangs in the balance; adding that engagement and vocal advocacy in this matter are not just expected–they are a fundamental duty you (governors) owe to the people.
“Let your voices resonate with the concerns of your constituents and champion their cause for justice and fairness in this critical national examination,” it added.
The statement was jointly signed by the following CSOs:
1. South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO)
2. Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), Nigeria
3. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
4. Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL)
5. Women And Girls Children Initiative (WAGCI)
6. CIRDDOC Nigeria
7. Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS)
8. Serene Society Initiative Imo State
9. Institute of Growth and Development (IGD)
10. Spaces for Change
11. WIPGG Nigeria
12. Women Information Network (WINET)
13. Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation
14. Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre
15. Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment (DeCODE)
16. Alliances for Africa
17. Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) Enugu State Chapter.
It was signed by notable concerned citizens, who included: Mr Emmanuel Ugwueze, a journalist and activist; Mr Oliver Ujah, an activist; Mr Emmanuel Ubajekwe, an educationist and parent; Cynthia Enweonwu-Arinze, an activist; and Ifeyinwa Ofodile-Nwafor, educationist and parent.
Others are: Iheoma Obibi, an activist;
Favour Okonkwo, an activist; Mr Ezekiel Amaobi, a community leader; Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, an activist and community leader; Mrs Marylinda Ezeh, an activist; Mr Basil Ejigini, a parent and Mr Paul Ogwu, an activist.
