The board says it had no role in setting or handling the examination and warns that unverified allegations could damage its reputation

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, led by Executive Chairman Dr Nureni Adeniran, on Tuesday denied involvement in an alleged leak of results from the recently concluded Common Entrance Examination in Oyo State, describing the claim as false and potentially damaging to the board’s reputation.

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The denial followed an allegation reportedly made during a radio programme in Ibadan, where claims linking the board and its leadership to the examination were aired.

OYOSUBEB said it had no responsibility for setting, producing, handling or administering the examination and therefore could not be associated with any alleged compromise of the process.

“For the avoidance of doubt, OYOSUBEB is not involved at any stage in the conduct, setting, production or handling of questions for the Common Entrance Examination,” the board said in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.

“Therefore, any attempt to link the board, its executive chairman or its officials to the alleged leakage is completely unfounded.”

The board said the administration under Adeniran had maintained a commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, adding that it would not allow what it described as unsubstantiated allegations or speculative reports to undermine its work.

The controversy comes against the background of Oyo’s established arrangements for the Common Entrance Examination.

The state government has previously identified the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as the body responsible for conducting the placement and screening exercise, while OYOSUBEB has participated in monitoring activities.

In an earlier announcement, the board said it would assist the ministry in monitoring the examination across the state’s five zones.

The state’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology also lists the placement and screening examination into JSS One among examinations conducted in the state. (Oyo State Education)

OYOSUBEB consequently directed anyone seeking clarification about the conduct, administration or outcome of the examination to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The distinction is significant because allegations concerning examination integrity can affect the confidence of pupils, parents and schools, particularly where admission and placement decisions depend on the results.

The board also appealed to journalists and broadcasters to verify information before publishing or airing allegations involving public institutions and officials.

It specifically urged the management and presenters of the radio station involved, as well as other media organisations, to exercise caution and uphold accuracy in their reporting.

The board warned that defamatory statements, false allegations or what it called a continuing smear campaign against Adeniran could result in legal action.

It said it would pursue available lawful remedies to protect the reputation and integrity of its leadership.

The dispute also comes at a time when examination security and integrity remain important issues across Nigeria’s education system. Oyo State itself has recently faced concerns over examination administration.

In June, the state government expressed concern after delays affected some 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination papers at centres across the state, prompting the government to seek explanations from WAEC.

Separately, the Federal Government released the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination results in July, with 56,950 candidates having sat for the national examination for admission into Federal Unity Colleges.

The Federal Ministry of Information said the government was maintaining merit, transparency and equity in the admissions process.

Against that wider backdrop, OYOSUBEB said the current allegation should not be allowed to distract from its primary responsibility of strengthening basic education across Oyo State.

The board maintained that members of the public should rely on verified information from the appropriate authorities regarding the Common Entrance Examination.

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For parents and candidates awaiting clarity on the examination, the board’s position is that questions concerning the conduct or results should be directed to the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology rather than attributed to OYOSUBEB.