By Capital Watch Media
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has lauded the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its rare display of transparency and accountability in addressing irregularities in the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a statement signed by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director of Media and Communication, the NOA described JAMB’s public acknowledgment of its operational lapses as an exemplary act of institutional responsibility and leadership.
Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, praised JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for demonstrating what he called “the kind of integrity and courage that public leadership demands.” He said the forthrightness exhibited by JAMB aligns with the principles of the National Values Charter (NVC), which calls for the highest standards of transparency and accountability in public service.
While applauding the examination body, Onilu called for additional measures to address the concerns of candidates and families affected by the UTME errors. “While recognition of mistakes is the first step, redemption and restitution are other necessary steps to be taken,” he said. He urged JAMB to consider appropriate forms of compensation to help mitigate the stress and anxiety endured by affected candidates.
The NOA DG further emphasized the agency’s commitment to promoting a governance culture grounded in trust, integrity, and mutual respect. “JAMB’s example should serve as a model for other public institutions. When institutions own their mistakes and act to correct them, they earn the respect and confidence of the people,” he added.
Onilu also invoked the Citizen Codes under the National Values Charter, reminding Nigerians that leadership and accountability are responsibilities that cut across both public and private sectors. “Every citizen has a duty to uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, and transparency. These values are not optional they are the pillars of a just and equitable society,” he said.
