UTME 2025 Scandal: JAMB Confirms Court Action Against Exam Cheats
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to prosecute several candidates involved in various forms of malpractice during the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This move comes after the examination body uncovered widespread irregularities in certain centers across the country.
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed during a press briefing on Monday that the board has compiled a list of dozens of candidates who allegedly engaged in impersonation, use of fraudulent computer software, and hiring of mercenaries to sit the exams on their behalf.
Systematic Cheating Uncovered
According to Prof. Oloyede, JAMB’s sophisticated surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and biometric verification, helped to detect anomalies in real time. He explained that some candidates attempted to bypass identity verification protocols using forged fingerprints, while others were caught receiving live answers through unauthorized software installations at certain centers.
“We have zero tolerance for malpractice,” Oloyede said. “The integrity of our examination process is non-negotiable. Those found guilty will not only be disqualified but will face the full weight of the law. We are not only naming and shaming but also prosecuting.”
He noted that while the majority of the candidates wrote the exams peacefully, a small but determined group tried to undermine the system.
Legal Action Underway
The JAMB boss confirmed that over 70 candidates have been identified for prosecution, with more names expected to be added as investigations continue. Legal teams are already working with the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Justice to file charges against the suspects.
“This is not a witch-hunt. We have clear evidence — biometric mismatches, video footage, and forensic digital trails that link these candidates to malpractices,” he stated.
JAMB says it will not protect any candidate or official, regardless of their background or influence. Examination centers found complicit will also face sanctions, including de-accreditation.
Shady CBT Centers Under Scrutiny
In addition to candidates, several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers have also come under investigation. JAMB officials allege that some of these centers allowed or facilitated cheating, especially through unauthorized technical support, internet access, and compromise of invigilation standards.
One CBT center in Benin City and another in Ilorin are reportedly under temporary suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The centers are meant to uphold integrity, not sabotage it,” said Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs. “We will clean the system and ensure future UTME exercises are conducted without loopholes.”
Public Reactions Mixed
Public reactions to the announcement have been mixed. While many Nigerians applauded JAMB’s firm stance against exam malpractice, others expressed concern about the root causes of cheating, pointing to inadequate preparation, pressure from parents, and systemic issues in the education system.
“I support punishing the guilty, but we must also ask why students feel desperate enough to cheat,” said education consultant Grace Ogunleye. “There’s a deeper problem.”
On social media, the hashtag #JAMB2025 has trended as users debated the fairness and challenges of standardized exams in Nigeria.
Calls for Reforms and Counseling
In response to the developments, some education stakeholders have urged JAMB to expand its counseling and sensitization programs. They believe that awareness campaigns, especially in secondary schools, could help deter future misconduct.
Meanwhile, the board is urging candidates who genuinely participated in the UTME to be patient as results continue to be released in batches. Over 1.9 million candidates registered for the 2025 UTME, which commenced on April 19 and is scheduled to conclude by May 7.
“We remain committed to a fair, credible, and transparent process,” Prof. Oloyede concluded. “Let this serve as a warning: cheating is a crime, and we will not overlook it.”