JAMB Uncovers Over 3,000 Cases of Digital Exam Fraud, Calls for Radical Action

 

JAMB Raises Alarm Over Surge in Sophisticated Digital Exam Fraud, Investigates Over 3,000 Suspects

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has called for a more radical and urgent approach to combat the growing menace of digital examination fraud in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed that over 3,000 cases of digital exam fraud are currently under investigation, warning that the sophistication and scale of malpractice could jeopardise the future of education in the country.

He described the trend as worrisome and increasingly sophisticated, stressing that it threatens not only the integrity of the examination process but also the quality of learning, research, and national development.

“Some people, rather than addressing the menace, are dissipating their energies on spreading unhelpful conspiracy theories and hatred while our future is being jeopardised by this new crop of sophisticated digital fraudsters,” Oloyede said.

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Advanced Malpractices in 2025 UTME

Oloyede revealed that during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), several high-level malpractices were uncovered, prompting the withdrawal of some results and the arrest of culprits across the country.

He listed some of the high-tech fraudulent methods detected:

• Collusion by CBT centre and school proprietors to hack networks of other CBT centres, gaining remote control of candidates' computers and submitting answers on their behalf.
• AI-enabled photo blending to merge the facial features of impersonators with registered candidates.
• Fingerprint fraud, where combined fingerprints from different individuals were used for the registration of a single candidate.
• Extension of LAN (Local Area Network) from fraudulent centres to hidden “strong rooms” for remote manipulation.
• Pairing candidates with professional mercenaries to gain unauthorized access into the examination halls.

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Undergraduates Among Culprits

Disturbingly, the registrar revealed that many current undergraduates in Nigerian universities were actively involved in aiding or executing these fraudulent activities. Over 3,000 candidates have already been identified as accomplices or beneficiaries.

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JAMB Acknowledges Support for Resit Exams

Oloyede extended appreciation to sister examination bodies and security agencies for their collaboration in enabling a successful resit of the 2025 UTME. He specifically mentioned:

• National Examinations Council (NECO)
• West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
• Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

He thanked them for adjusting their schedules to accommodate JAMB’s resit exercise and commended their continued cooperation and support.

Oloyede also applauded the resilience of affected candidates, the security agencies for apprehending culprits, and the Nigerian public for their patience and understanding throughout the process.

He concluded by reaffirming JAMB’s commitment to upholding the credibility of examinations and serving the nation with dedication and integrity.

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