6,458 UTME Results Withheld As JAMB Launches Probe

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has launched an investigation into 6,458 candidates accused of deploying advanced technology to manipulate the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board, on Monday in Abuja, inaugurated a 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infraction with a three-week mandate to probe the alleged cases and recommend sanctions.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the decision followed the discovery of what he described as “strange and extraordinary infractions” during the examination.

“This year, we came across a number of strange things, and we felt it would be better if we expanded our resources. Examination malpractice is something that we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins,” Oloyede declared.

According to him, the committee will handle 141 cases of what the board considers regular exam malpractice, alongside extraordinary infractions such as image blending, albinism falsification, finger pairing, and attempts to compromise Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre networks.

He listed the committee’s mandate to include:

Investigating all cases of image blending, finger blending, albinism falsification, and result manipulation.

Identifying tools, technologies, and patterns used in the fraud.

Reviewing JAMB’s existing policies and recommending preventive strategies.

Determining the culpability of the 6,458 candidates whose results are being withheld.

The committee is also expected to design a framework to detect and deter similar technological fraud in future UTME exercises.

Chairman of the committee, Dr. Jake Epele, assured that the probe would be handled with fairness and transparency.

“Examination malpractice is not just a breach of rules. It is a direct assault on integrity, merit, and the future of our youth. This assignment is not just a job; it is a sacred call to defend credibility and restore public confidence,” he said.

Members of the high-powered panel include academics such as Prof. Muhammad Bello, Prof. Samuel Odewummi, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, and Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu, as well as retired Lagos Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, a Microsoft Africa representative, and the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools were also drafted into the committee.

The report of the panel is expected in 21 days, after which JAMB will determine the fate of the affected candidates.

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