The House of Representatives committee on basic education and examination bodies has concluded that human error, not technical failure, was responsible for the issues affecting over 300,000 candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.

Oboku Oforji, chairman of the committee, made this revelation during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He stated that preliminary findings indicated the errors were avoidable and resulted from negligence on JAMB's part.

"We sincerely apologise on behalf of the examination body (JAMB) to all Nigerians," Oforji said. "The committee recognises the courage and sincerity of the JAMB registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for accepting the fault on behalf of his team and apologizing to the parents, candidates, and the nation in general."

The investigation was prompted after JAMB released the 2025 UTME results on May 9, revealing that more than 78 percent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the maximum 400 points obtainable. This unusual outcome led the House to resolve on May 15 to investigate the examination body over the alleged technical error.

Despite the significant error, the committee chairman acknowledged JAMB's otherwise consistent process throughout the examination, from registration to the release of results, describing it as commendable.

Oforji expressed appreciation for "the eagerness and determination of Nigerian students in pursuing their education to improve the future of our country."

The committee has called for an "independent and thorough investigation" into the matter and has proposed reforms to the examination board to prevent similar occurrences in the future.