The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has identified 4,251 cases of exam malpractice in the 2025 UTME. This was reported by the special committee formed to review JAMB examination and its integrity.
The committee said that the most typical form of fraud was a biometric manipulation known as “finger blending,” which allows candidates to evade fingerprint verification. The committee also uncovered 190 cases of impersonation through artificial intelligence and image morphing.
Other forms of exam malpractice included 1,878 fictitious disability claims, forged certificates, and multiple registrations using different National Identification Numbers. The committee noted that many of the violations were traceable to parents, schools, tutorial centres, and a few CBT operators.
The committee characterised exam malpractice as highly organized and becoming more reliant on technology.
In order to prevent further exam malpractice, the panel recommended adopting artificial intelligence in biometric verifications, establishing real-time monitoring, and forming a central exam security hub. The committee also recommended nullifying examination results achieved through fraud, as well as a 1-3 year ban and possible criminal proceedings.
The report further suggested that JAMB should compile a formal sanctions registry that schools and employers can access, introduce and digitize correction procedures, institute stricter verification procedures for disability claims. Other measures include increase supervision as it related to mobile exam platforms, and begin formulating legislation to criminalize biometric and digital fraud in exams.
Finally, the committee recommended the federal government launch a national campaign called “Integrity First,” in order to advance ethics and accountability. It further noted that “where a parent or guardian is implicated, we should hold them responsible. While those under the age of 18 must receive counselling and permission to re-register under the Child Rights Act.
Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede endorsed the investigation’s recommendations as a wake-up call, and praised committee members for their investigation. He said he has faith that the recommendations will be implemented and JAMB intends on undertaking reforms that are agile.
It is critical to use these facts to maintain credibility in Nigeria’s examinations, and unless serious action is taken, the future where admissions are based on merit may crumble due to the expansion of technology and its use in facilitating lawless examination malpractice.
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