The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has identified a new wave of sophisticated, technology-driven examination malpractices that pose a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process.
A special committee commissioned by the board revealed 4,251 cases of “finger blending” and 190 instances of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The findings were presented on Monday, September 8, by Dr Jake Epelle, chairman of JAMB’s Special Committee on Examination Infractions (SCEI), to Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede.
The committee, inaugurated on August 18, 2025, was tasked with investigating a surge in exam irregularities and proposing reforms.
According to Epelle, the investigation went beyond technical fraud, uncovering a highly organized network of malpractice syndicates.
The committee’s report identified 1,878 false disability claims, forged credentials, and collusion among candidates, parents, tutorial centers, and even some Computer-Based Test (CBT) operators.
The panel also noted that weak legal frameworks have made enforcement difficult.
To combat this escalating problem, the committee recommended a comprehensive strategy.
The proposals include deploying AI-powered biometric tools, real-time monitoring, and establishing a central Examination Security Operations Centre.
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Sanctions would include the cancellation of fraudulent results, one- to three-year bans for offenders, and prosecution.
The committee also called for the creation of a Central Sanctions Registry for institutions and employers to prevent repeat offenses.
The report also proposed legal reforms, such as amending the JAMB and Examination Malpractice Acts to specifically address digital and biometric fraud.
A nationwide “Integrity First” campaign was also recommended to reorient values and embed ethics in school curricula.
For minors, the committee suggested rehabilitative measures like counseling rather than punitive sanctions.
Epelle warned that without urgent reform, the credibility of Nigeria’s education system could face a complete breakdown.
He emphasised that unchecked malpractice will continue to erode merit and undermine public trust.
