The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recommended strict penalties for 11 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and their agents involved in fingerprint irregularities during registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced the recommendations following a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, as well as consultations with the affected CBT centres and individuals. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to Oloyede, the proposed sanctions aim to uphold the integrity of the UTME and are subject to approval by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Key Recommendations:
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Severe Penalties for Major Offenders:
Any registrant found to have registered more than 50 candidates with fingerprint infractions will be barred from all JAMB-related activities for three years. This includes being disqualified from registering for the UTME and other national exams like WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB. After the suspension period, their case may be reconsidered if they show genuine remorse. -
Milder Sanctions for Lesser Infractions:
Registrants involved in fewer than 50 irregular registrations will receive a formal warning. They must also submit a written apology and sign a bond pledging not to engage in such activities again. -
CBT Centre Accountability:
Implicated CBT centres will be issued warnings and required to sign a performance bond. Additionally, they must provide evidence of proper training for their registration agents. This training is to be conducted by a federal university in their area, under the supervision of the appropriate department.
JAMB emphasized that excuses based on ignorance would no longer be accepted. All affected centres must complete the recommended training before being considered for future engagement with the Board.
Prof. Oloyede, speaking through JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, stressed that these measures are necessary to safeguard the credibility of the examination process and prevent future infractions.
