The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has launched a sweeping investigation into alleged cases of sophisticated examination malpractice involving 6,458 candidates from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The board says the suspects risk serious sanctions if found guilty.
In an unprecedented move, JAMB inaugurated a 23-member **Special Committee on Examination Infraction** on Monday in Abuja. The panel, made up of seasoned academics, law enforcement, and tech experts, is expected to submit its findings within 21 days.
Speaking at the inauguration, **JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede**, expressed deep concern over what he described as “extraordinary infractions,” including the use of **image blending**, **albinism falsification**, **finger pairing**, and attempts to **hack into CBT centres’ Local Area Networks**.
> “Examination malpractice is something we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins,” said Oloyede. “This year, we encountered a number of strange practices that raised serious red flags. This committee has been empowered to investigate these infractions and recommend appropriate sanctions.”
Beyond the 6,458 flagged candidates, the committee will also review **141 other cases** of standard examination misconduct.
#### **Mandate of the Committee**
The committee is tasked with:
* Investigating all allegations of technology-enabled malpractice, including biometric manipulation and image blending;
* Identifying the tools, methods, and digital technologies used to commit fraud;
* Reviewing current exam registration and monitoring protocols;
* Recommending preventive and deterrent strategies for future UTME exercises;
* Determining individual culpability and suggesting disciplinary measures.
The panel is also expected to propose a **proactive framework** for safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s largest tertiary entrance examination.
#### **A National Integrity Mission**
Chairing the committee is **Dr. Jake Epele**, who pledged to lead with transparency and integrity.
> “Examination malpractice is not just a breach of rules; it’s an assault on merit, integrity, and the future of Nigerian youth,” Epele said. “This task is sacred. We owe it to the nation to defend the credibility of our education system.”
#### **Who's on the Committee?**
The high-powered panel includes:
* **Prof. Muhammad Bello**
* **Prof. Samuel Odewummi**
* **Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba**
* **Prof. Tanko Ishaya**
* **Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu**
* **Fatai Owoseni**, retired Police Commissioner
* **Dr. Chuks Okpaka**, Microsoft Africa
* Representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, DSS, NPF, and the National Association of Nigerian Students
Also onboard are members from the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to tackling examination fraud.
JAMB has withheld the results of the affected candidates pending the outcome of the investigation.
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