Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has issued a passionate call for systemic reforms to address recurring technical failures in Nigeria’s critical institutions, spotlighting the recent glitches that disrupted the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results.
In a statement titled “Let’s Not Make Glitches Become a National Crisis,” Obi commended the accountability shown by JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while urging immediate action to prevent such failures from undermining public trust and national progress.
Obi referenced Prof. Oloyede’s recent press conference, where the JAMB Registrar openly acknowledged that technical glitches had affected the results of 379,997 candidates in the latest Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Obi described Oloyede’s admission of fault and expression of deep remorse as a rare and commendable act of accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. However, he emphasized that the incident underscores a deeper, more troubling issue: the persistent fragility of the country’s institutional systems.
The consequences of these glitches extend far beyond administrative inconvenience. Obi highlighted the profound emotional and psychological toll on affected students and their families, noting that some parents have reportedly suffered severe trauma. In the most heartbreaking cases, the stress and uncertainty surrounding the disrupted results have even been linked to deaths. These tragedies, Obi argued, serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in maintaining the integrity of examination processes and the reliability of public institutions. “The integrity of examination processes and the reliability of public institutions are not optional; they are foundational to any nation’s progress,” he stated.
While Obi acknowledged JAMB’s swift response and willingness to take responsibility, he stressed that reactive measures are insufficient. To prevent future disruptions, he called for proactive and comprehensive reforms across critical institutions like JAMB. Specifically, Obi advocated for the adoption of robust quality assurance frameworks, which should include rigorous testing of technical infrastructure and regular audits to ensure system reliability. He also emphasized the need for transparent communication with candidates and stakeholders, coupled with prompt resolution of any issues that arise. These steps, he argued, are essential to restoring and sustaining public confidence in institutions.
Obi’s statement extended beyond JAMB, framing the issue as a national concern that affects all arms of government. “There must be no room for further glitches—not in JAMB, not in any arm of government,” he declared, warning that the cost of repeated failures is simply too high. The ripple effects of such breakdowns, from eroded trust to human and economic losses, threaten Nigeria’s development and stability.
Concluding with his signature optimism, Obi reiterated his vision for a transformed Nigeria, stating, “A new Nigeria is POssible.” His call to action underscores the urgency of building resilient systems to safeguard the nation’s future, particularly for the millions of young Nigerians whose aspirations depend on the fairness and efficiency of institutions like JAMB.
