JAMB Panel Moves To Slam Three-Year Ban On Exam Cheats

A special investigative committee set up to probe infractions in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has recommended the cancellation of results belonging to 6,319 candidates found guilty of technology-driven examination malpractice. According to the panel urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to impose one to three-year bans on the offenders, prosecute them alongside their accomplices, and strengthen measures to restore integrity in the examination process.

The committee, chaired by the Founder of The Albino Foundation, Dr. Jake Epelle, submitted its findings to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja. Presenting the report, Epelle disclosed that the cheating methods employed were highly sophisticated, including 4,251 cases of “finger blending,” 190 cases of AI-assisted image morphing, and 1,878 false claims of albinism. Other forms of malpractice cited included credential forgery, multiple National Identity Number (NIN) registrations, and organised solicitation schemes.

Epelle explained that the fraud extended beyond candidates, implicating Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, schools, parents, tutorial operators, and technical collaborators. He noted that weak legal provisions against biometric and digital fraud have emboldened perpetrators, eroding public trust in the system.

To combat these challenges, the committee recommended a multi-layered approach anchored on detection, deterrence, and prevention. The proposed measures include AI-powered biometric anomaly detection, dual verification systems, real-time monitoring, and the establishment of a National Examination Security Operations Centre. It also suggested reforms such as mobile-first self-service platforms, digitised correction processes, stricter disability verification, and a ban on bulk registrations by schools.

In addition, the committee called for amendments to the JAMB Act and the Examination Malpractice Act to explicitly address biometric and digital fraud. It further proposed a nationwide “Integrity First” campaign to promote ethical values among students. For offenders under 18, the panel recommended rehabilitative measures under the Child Rights Act, including counselling and supervised re-registration.

Epelle emphasised that unchecked malpractice would continue to erode merit and damage Nigeria’s human capital development, but insisted that bold reforms, technological innovation, and uncompromising enforcement could reverse the trend.

In response, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Oloyede, assured that the board would act on the recommendations within its powers while consulting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on broader policy issues. He reiterated that examination malpractice is not a victimless crime, stressing that it undermines the value of education, disadvantages hardworking candidates, and produces professionals incapable of delivering in critical sectors.