By Atoyebi Nike
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has inaugurated a 23-member special committee to investigate cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said 6,458 candidates are currently under probe for alleged involvement in “highly sophisticated cheating,” warning that exam fraud now threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
“This year we came across a number of strange things and felt it would be better to expand our resources,” Oloyede stated. “Malpractice has gone beyond traditional schemes into technologically sophisticated forms, including biometric and identity fraud at some accredited CBT centres.”
He disclosed that while 141 cases of conventional malpractice have already been referred to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the newly inaugurated panel will focus on “extraordinary infractions” such as image blending, falsified albinism claims, finger pairing, and attempts to hack CBT centres’ Local Area Networks.
According to Oloyede, the committee has been tasked with investigating all pending cases, identifying the methods and technologies used, reviewing JAMB’s current registration and exam policies, determining the culpability of suspects, and recommending sanctions. It is also expected to design a proactive framework for preventing future tech-enabled fraud.
The registrar stressed urgency, saying: “We have chosen three weeks because justice delayed is justice denied. In about four weeks, admissions will close. Those who are not guilty must have their opportunity.”
In his response, committee chairman Dr. Jake Epele described the assignment as a “sacred duty” to defend merit and restore public trust.
“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,” Epele said. “We must ensure that diligence and honesty remain the true pathway to opportunity.”
Members of the committee include academics such as Prof. Muhammad Bello, Prof. Samuel Odewummi, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, and Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu; retired Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni; Dr. Chuks Okpaka of Microsoft Africa; as well as representatives from the National Security Adviser’s office, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
