In a significant development for candidates of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of an additional 36,540 results.

This latest batch of results comes amid heightened anticipation and follows the initial release earlier this month, bringing the total results released to 1,879,437.

Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, confirmed the release in a press briefing held on Tuesday. He disclosed that the newly released results had been previously withheld due to the board’s routine checks and verification processes.

“We are committed to ensuring the integrity and credibility of our examination process. After thorough scrutiny and validation, we are pleased to release these additional 36,540 results,” Oloyede stated.

The release brings relief to thousands of candidates who had been anxiously awaiting their results. Among them is Chinedu Okoro, a candidate from Enugu, who expressed his gratitude.

“I was very worried when my result was not part of the initial release. I’m relieved that it has finally been released, and I can now proceed with my admission plans,” Okoro said.

JAMB’s decision to withhold certain results initially was based on the need to address discrepancies and irregularities reported during the examination. According to Professor Oloyede, the board received multiple reports of malpractice, prompting a meticulous review of the affected results.

“We take allegations of malpractice very seriously and have mechanisms in place to investigate and resolve such issues promptly,” he emphasized.

The release of these additional results follows JAMB’s recent efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in its operations. The board has implemented several reforms, including the use of advanced technology for biometric verification and real-time monitoring of examination centers, to curb malpractice and ensure a fair testing environment.

Candidates can now access their results via JAMB’s official website and through SMS by sending their unique registration number to a designated shortcode. The board has also set up helplines and support centers to assist candidates with any issues they may encounter while checking their results.

The release of the additional results has sparked renewed discussions on the need for continued reforms in Nigeria’s examination system. Educational stakeholders have praised JAMB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the UTME, while also calling for further measures to address the root causes of examination malpractice.

Dr. John Olukoya, an education analyst, commented on the development, saying, “JAMB’s proactive steps in addressing irregularities and ensuring the credibility of the UTME are commendable. However, there is a need for ongoing efforts to improve the examination process and to educate candidates on the importance of academic integrity.”

As candidates begin to receive their results, attention now shifts to the admission process for tertiary institutions across the country. Universities and colleges are expected to commence their admission exercises soon, taking into consideration the released UTME results.

JAMB has assured candidates and stakeholders that it will continue to work towards a seamless and transparent admission process. The board has urged candidates to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or fraudulent schemes related to the admission process.

With the release of these additional results, JAMB reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in Nigeria’s education system, ensuring that every candidate is given a fair opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations.