… Directs varsities to conclude 2025 admissions by Oct
ABUJA — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has placed the results of 6,458 candidates under investigation over alleged involvement in sophisticated cheating during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), even as it ordered public universities to complete their admissions process by October 31.
The board, in a move to combat examination malpractice that has assumed new dimensions, on Monday inaugurated a 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infraction in Abuja.
The panel was mandated to probe what JAMB described as “extraordinary malpractice cases” that go beyond the usual scope of exam misconduct.
Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained that fraud in the UTME had advanced into technologically driven schemes.
He listed biometric manipulation, identity swapping, image blending, false claims of albinism, finger pairing, and attempts to breach Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres’ Local Area Networks as some of the strategies employed by fraudsters.
“This year, we came across a number of strange things and felt it would be better to expand our resources. Malpractice is no longer crude, it is technologically sophisticated. Examination fraud is something we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins,” Oloyede said.
While 141 cases of traditional malpractice have already been referred to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, he stressed that the new panel would handle the more complex infractions.
Its terms of reference include identifying the methods and technologies used, reviewing existing policies, and recommending reforms to safeguard the integrity of the examination system.
Emphasising the urgency, Oloyede said the committee has only three weeks to submit its report.
“We have chosen three weeks because justice delayed, is justice denied. In four weeks, admissions will close, and those not guilty must have their opportunity.”
Committee chairman, Dr. Jake Epele, pledged commitment to the assignment, describing exam malpractice as “a direct assault on integrity, merit, and the future of our nation’s youth.”
Members of the panel include senior academics, technology experts, security representatives, and the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Meanwhile, JAMB also directed private universities to complete their admission process by November 30, while both public and private institutions must finalise all admissions by December 31.
According to the schedule released in its weekly bulletin, the directive followed resolutions reached at the 2025 Policy Meeting chaired by the Minister of Education.
The board explained that the decision aims to stabilise the academic calendar, ensure fairness in the admission process, and prevent disruptions caused by delayed intakes.
“Even where an institution is not ready to commence a new academic session, it must conduct its admission and archive it.
“All post-UTME screenings should also be concluded in good time to meet the schedule,” JAMB stated, warning that institutions must strictly adhere to the deadlines.
The board further noted that delayed admissions often distort the national education timetable, affecting both students and institutions.
It warned that failure by institutions to comply with the deadlines could attract sanctions
