The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has placed the results of 6,458 candidates from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) under investigation for alleged involvement in sophisticated, technology-enabled examination malpractice.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced this on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of a 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infractions. He expressed deep concern over the evolving nature of exam fraud, revealing that cheating now involves advanced digital techniques far beyond traditional methods.
“This year, we encountered numerous unusual practices. We felt it necessary to broaden our investigative capacity, and we believe this nation is blessed with untapped expertise,” he stated.
According to Prof. Oloyede, the cases being reviewed involve biometric manipulation and identity fraud, reportedly carried out by some accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in collaboration with candidates.
While 141 instances of conventional malpractice have already been forwarded to the board’s disciplinary committee, the newly inaugurated panel is tasked with investigating more complex forms of cheating — including image morphing, falsification of albinism, finger duplication, and attempts to hack into CBT centres’ Local Area Networks.
He emphasized the gravity of the issue: “Examination malpractice is a battle we must wage with every drop of determination. If left unchecked, it threatens the credibility of our education system and the nation’s global image.”
The committee’s mandate includes probing the suspected cases, analyzing the techniques and technologies involved, assessing current policies, and recommending disciplinary measures. The registrar also directed the panel to deliver its findings within three weeks due to the pressing admission deadlines.
“We’ve set a three-week deadline because justice delayed is justice denied. With admissions closing soon, innocent candidates deserve timely clearance,” he added.
Committee Chairman, Dr. Jake Epele, pledged the group’s commitment to integrity and impartiality in handling the assignment.
“Malpractice is more than a rule violation — it’s a direct attack on merit, honesty, and the future of our youth. This task is a solemn duty to protect the integrity of our examinations,” he affirmed.
The panel includes university professors, security officials, representatives from Microsoft Africa, civil society organizations, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
