JAMB Vows to Jail CBT Owners, Parents Over Tech-Driven UTME Fraud

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has declared that it will shut down and prosecute owners of computer-based test (CBT) centers found to be culpable in the widespread examination fraud recently uncovered. According to the chairman of JAMB’s special committee on exam infractions, Jake Epelle, the investigation revealed shocking levels of technological manipulation in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Crackdown on Examination Malpractice

The committee’s findings exposed a sophisticated network of cheating, involving thousands of cases of biometric and AI fraud. These cases include over 4,250 instances of “finger blending” and 192 cases of impersonation using AI-assisted image morphing. Epelle stated that while JAMB’s core system is robust, individuals are constantly attempting to compromise it using advanced technology. He warned that the culprits would not go unpunished, with CBT center owners facing jail time and confiscation of their equipment.

In a stunning revelation, Epelle also claimed that 80 percent of the infractions were instigated by parents seeking undeserved marks for their children. He urged JAMB to begin a policy of “naming and shaming” these errant parents, noting that while many threaten legal action, they later beg for leniency when confronted with evidence. Schools and tutorial centers were also identified as being culpable in this pervasive fraud.

Acknowledging the UTME Glitch

In a separate issue, the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, publicly admitted to a technical glitch that affected the results of a significant number of candidates. Oloyede, in an emotional media briefing, apologized for the error, which was blamed on a server issue at 157 centers. As a result, approximately 379,997 candidates were required to retake the examination. Oloyede took full responsibility, describing the incident as a setback but reaffirming the board’s commitment to fairness and transparency.

Statistical Breakdown of 2025 Results

JAMB’s statistical analysis of the 2025 UTME painted a stark picture of candidate performance. Out of the 1.95 million candidates who sat for the exam, over 1.5 million—representing 78.5 percent—scored below 200. The breakdown further revealed:

• Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above.
• 12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 and above.
• The highest number of candidates, 983,187 (50.29%), scored between 160 and 199.

This data highlights the significant challenges within the Nigerian education system, reinforcing the need for continuous reforms in both learning and examination processes.