Chidimma Uchegbu
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has established a 23-member special committee to investigate cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Abuja.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, lamented the increasing sophistication of exam fraud, noting that 6,458 candidates’ results are under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating.
“This year we come across a number of strange things and we felt that it would be better if we expand our resources. And we believe that God has endowed this nation with a lot of resources that we can tap from,” Oloyede said.
According to him, malpractice has evolved beyond traditional schemes into “technologically sophisticated forms,” including multiple cases of biometric and identity fraud by some accredited CBT centres and candidates.
Oloyede emphasized the need for urgent action to protect the credibility of examinations.
“Examination malpractice is something that we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins,” he said, warning that unchecked fraud could harm several sectors and tarnish Nigeria’s image.
He disclosed that while 141 cases of “normal” exam malpractice have been sent to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the committee will handle “extraordinary infractions,” such as image blending, albinism falsification, finger pairing, and attempts to breach some CBT centres’ Local Area Network.
He listed the the terms of reference of the committee as : ” One, investigate all the cases of image blending, finger blending, false claim of albinism and result falsification in the 2025 examination.
“Number two, identify the methods, patterns, tools, and technologies used to perpetrate this infraction.
” Three, review current examination and registration policies and recommend improvements.
“Four, determine the culpability or otherwise of each of the 6,458 suspected candidates whose results, excluding the albinism group, are still being withheld.
“Recommend appropriate disciplinary actions or sanction against individuals or groups found culpable.
“Propose a proactive framework for the detection, deterrence, and prevention of technologically enabled examination fraud in future exercises.
“Consider and advise on any issue incidental or related to these issues.
” Submit a report not later than three weeks after the inauguration of the committee.”
Oloyede added :”We have chosen three weeks because justice delayed is said to be justice denied.
“In about four weeks, admission will close. And we believe that those who are found not to be guilty should have the opportunity.”
Responding, committee chairman Dr. Jake Epele praised Oloyede’s leadership and pledged the committee’s commitment to the assignment.
“Examination malpractice is not just a breach of rules. It is a direct assault on integrity, merit, and the future of our nation’s youth. The task before us is therefore a sacred one. I believe that everyone in this committee, you don’t have a committee job. You have a call from God Almighty. To defend the credibility of our examination, restore public confidence, and ensure that diligence and honesty remains the true pathway to opportunity. I assure you that I will lead this committee with fairness, transparency, and determination,” he said.
Members of the committee include 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 the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
Also represented are the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, among others.
