The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has launched an extensive probe into 6,458 candidates over allegations of technology-driven examination malpractice during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board inaugurated a 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infractions on Monday in Abuja, tasked with investigating cases of sophisticated fraud that go beyond conventional cheating methods.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the integrity of this year’s UTME was threatened by a wave of high-tech infractions, ranging from biometric manipulation to identity fraud.
He noted that while 141 cases of traditional malpractice have already been forwarded to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the newly inaugurated panel will focus on “extraordinary” cases involving tactics such as image blending, falsified albinism claims, finger pairing, and attempts to infiltrate the Local Area Network of some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
According to Oloyede, the board cannot afford to allow examination fraud to fester, warning that unchecked malpractice could undermine not only Nigeria’s education system but also the country’s reputation.
He emphasized that swift action was necessary as admissions into tertiary institutions are set to close within four weeks.
The committee’s mandate includes investigating all detected infractions, identifying technologies and methods used, recommending policy improvements, and determining the culpability of each of the 6,458 candidates whose results remain withheld.
It is also expected to propose sanctions against offenders and develop a proactive framework to prevent similar abuses in future examinations. The committee has been given three weeks to submit its report.
Committee chairman, Dr. Jake Epele, pledged fairness and transparency in carrying out the assignment, describing exam malpractice as a direct attack on merit, integrity, and the future of Nigerian youths.
The committee draws members from academia, security agencies, civil society, the technology sector, and student bodies.
Among them are Prof. Muhammad Bello, Prof. Samuel Odewummi, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu, retired Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, Dr. Chuks Okpaka of Microsoft Africa, and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the credibility of its examinations and ensuring that only genuine candidates benefit from Nigeria’s admission process.
