Lagos State University (LASU) has declared its "unwavering support" for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, amidst growing calls for his resignation following the mass failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The controversy erupted after JAMB admitted on Wednesday that technical errors had affected the results of approximately 379,997 candidates who sat for the examination. During a press briefing where he apologized to affected candidates, Prof. Oloyede was visibly emotional and broke down in tears.

Following this admission, several prominent Nigerians, including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, called for Oloyede's immediate resignation or dismissal. Sowore stated that "shedding crocodile tears is not enough" and insisted that the JAMB Registrar "must step aside for a more competent hand."

However, LASU, in a statement issued by its Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, urged Nigerians to view the situation "not as a failure, but as an opportunity to strengthen our examination systems further."

The university emphasized that its support for Prof. Oloyede stems from his "candid admission of technical failures" and praised his decision to subject the examination process to an internal technical review.

"Lagos State University stands solidly with Prof. Oloyede, affirming not only his courage and humility in this testing time but also the depth of character and integrity that has become the hallmarks of his glittering career as a public servant," the statement read.

The institution further highlighted Oloyede's achievements since assuming office in 2016, noting that he has "transformed JAMB through comprehensive reforms that have significantly improved examination credibility and transparency, and increased public confidence in the examination body."

LASU also acknowledged that it has "benefitted immensely in the enhanced processes of JAMB leading to the admission of better qualified candidates" and praised Oloyede's track record dating back to his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.

The 2025 UTME controversy has sparked nationwide debate, with reports of at least one candidate committing suicide over alleged poor performance. The examination body's admission of technical errors has raised questions about the reliability of the examination process and the future of thousands of candidates seeking university admission.

As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders remain divided on whether Prof. Oloyede should retain his position or step down to allow for fresh leadership at the examination body.