The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially inaugurated a special committee to investigate sophisticated cases of examination malpractice uncovered during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
During the inauguration of the 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infraction held on Monday in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, expressed concern over the growing complexity of exam malpractice, revealing that the results of 6,458 candidates remain withheld due to suspected involvement in advanced cheating practices.
“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 stated.
He explained that malpractice has moved far beyond traditional methods and now includes “technologically sophisticated forms,” citing numerous cases of biometric manipulation and identity fraud involving some accredited CBT centres and candidates.
Oloyede emphasized the urgent need to safeguard the credibility of examinations in Nigeria.
“Examination malpractice is something that we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins,” he declared, warning that if not addressed, fraudulent practices could damage multiple sectors and tarnish the country’s reputation.
He further revealed that while 141 cases of what he described as “normal” malpractice have already been forwarded to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the newly inaugurated committee will focus on “extraordinary infractions.” These include image blending, falsified albinism claims, finger pairing, and attempts to breach CBT centres’ Local Area Networks.
The registrar outlined the committee’s mandate, which includes investigating cases of image manipulation, biometric fraud, falsified albinism, and result falsification during the 2025 UTME. The committee is also expected to identify the technologies and methods used in these fraudulent practices, review existing registration and exam policies for possible improvements, determine the culpability of the 6,458 candidates whose results are still being withheld, and recommend sanctions where necessary. Additionally, it is tasked with proposing a preventive framework for future examinations and submitting its report within three weeks.
Oloyede explained the urgency of the timeline, noting that admissions will close in about four weeks, and those cleared of wrongdoing should not be denied the opportunity to proceed with their academic journey.
Committee chairman, Dr. Jake Epele, commended Oloyede’s initiative and pledged full dedication to the task ahead.
“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.
The 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. Other institutions represented include the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools.
What you should know
JAMB has launched a 23-member committee to investigate 6,458 withheld UTME results linked to advanced exam fraud such as biometric and image manipulation.
The committee, chaired by Dr. Jake Epele, is tasked with uncovering methods used, recommending sanctions, and proposing preventive measures, with a three-week deadline to deliver its findings.
