2025 UTME: JAMB Uncovers Sophisticated Malpractice, Blames Parents and CBT Operators

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has raised alarm over advanced forms of examination malpractice threatening the credibility of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.

The concern followed a detailed report submitted by JAMB’s Special Committee on Examination Infractions, inaugurated on August 18, 2025, to probe irregularities recorded during this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The committee, chaired by Dr. Jake Epelle, presented its findings to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, in Abuja.

Disturbing Findings

According to Epelle, the committee uncovered alarming new methods of malpractice, including:

• 4,251 cases of biometric manipulation, also known as “finger blending.”
• 190 cases of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing.
• 1,878 false disability claims to gain undue examination advantages.
• Forged credentials, multiple National Identification Number (NIN) registrations, and syndicate-led fraud.

The investigation also revealed widespread collusion involving parents, tutorial centres, some schools, and several Computer-Based Test (CBT) operators. Weak enforcement mechanisms and gaps in the legal system were also identified as major challenges.

Epelle described the malpractice as “highly organised, technology-driven, and dangerously normalised,” stressing that the situation poses a grave threat to meritocracy in Nigeria.

Proposed Reforms

To restore integrity to the system, the committee recommended:

• Deployment of AI-powered tools for biometric anomaly detection.
• Real-time monitoring through a central Examination Security Operations Centre.
• Cancellation of fraudulent results and sanctions, including one- to three-year bans.
• Prosecution of offenders and a Central Sanctions Registry for institutions and employers.
• Stronger verification systems for disability claims and digitised correction processes.
• Stricter control of mobile-first platforms and an end to bulk registrations by schools.

The panel also called for legal reforms, including amendments to the JAMB Act and the Examination Malpractice Act, to cover digital and biometric fraud. In addition, it suggested the creation of a dedicated Legal Unit within JAMB.

Addressing Cultural and Parental Complicity

Beyond technology, the committee emphasised the need for a nationwide cultural reorientation campaign. This would include embedding ethics into school curricula and holding parents accountable when found aiding malpractice.

For offenders under the age of 18, the panel recommended rehabilitative measures such as counselling and reintegration under the Child Rights Act, instead of outright punitive sanctions.

The Warning

Dr. Epelle cautioned that unless urgent reforms are adopted, Nigeria risks further erosion of trust in its education system.

“If left unchecked, examination malpractice will continue to destroy merit, undermine public confidence, and weaken the very foundation of human capital development in this country,” he warned.