The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced a special investigation into 6,458 candidates whose results were withheld following suspicions of advanced cheating during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). A 23-member committee, inaugurated by JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, has been mandated to complete its work within three weeks.
Professor Oloyede explained that examination malpractice has evolved beyond traditional methods and now involves sophisticated technological tricks. Among the issues under investigation are biometric fraud, identity manipulation, image blending, false claims of albinism, finger pairing, and attempts to hack into local networks at computer-based test centres.
So far, 141 cases of regular examination malpractice have already been referred to JAMB’s disciplinary committee. However, the newly formed committee will focus exclusively on “extraordinary infractions.” Its duties include determining whether the affected candidates are guilty, recommending disciplinary measures, and suggesting long-term strategies to detect and prevent high-tech exam fraud in future UTME exercises.
The move comes after public pressure and widespread complaints over irregularities in the 2025 UTME, with JAMB emphasizing its determination to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system.
