Abuja: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has inaugurated a special committee to investigate cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Inaugurating the 23-member committee in Abuja, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, expressed concerns over the rising sophistication in perpetrating exam fraud.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oloyede revealed that the results of 6,458 candidates remained under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating. He highlighted the discovery of unusual methods of malpractice, prompting the need to expand resources to combat the issue. The registrar pointed out the evolution of malpractices into ‘technologically sophisticated forms,’ including cases of biometric and identity fraud by some accredited CBT centres and candidates.
Oloyede emphasized the urgency of addressing examination malpractice to protect the credibility of exams. He stated that unchecked fraud could damage several sectors and harm Nigeria’s image. While 141 cases of ‘normal’ exam malpractice had been sent to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the newly formed committee would tackle ‘extraordinary infractions’ such as image blending, albinism falsification, and attempts to breach CBT centres’ Local Area Network.
The terms of reference for the committee include investigating cases of image blending, finger blending, false claims of albinism, and result falsification in the 2025 examination. Additionally, the committee is tasked with identifying methods and technologies used in these infractions and reviewing current examination policies to suggest improvements. The committee aims to determine the culpability of the 6,458 suspected candidates whose results are withheld.
Prof. Oloyede stated that the committee has been given three weeks to conduct its investigation, emphasizing the importance of timely justice. He noted that admission would close in about four weeks, and those found not guilty should have the opportunity to proceed with their admissions.
In response, committee chairman Dr. Jake Epele expressed gratitude for Oloyede’s leadership and pledged the committee’s dedication to the task. He emphasized that examination malpractice undermines integrity, merit, and the future of Nigeria’s youth, describing the committee’s work as a sacred duty to uphold examination credibility and restore public confidence.
The committee members include notable figures such as Prof. Muhammad Bello, Prof. Samuel Odewummi, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu, and retired Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni. Other members are Dr. Chuks Okpaka of Microsoft Africa and the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, among others.