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JAMB inaugurates special committee to probe 6,458 candidates involved in high-tech cheating

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has inaugurated a special committee to investigate instances of technology-driven malpractice uncovered during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The inauguration of the 23-member Special Committee On Examination Infraction took place on Monday in Abuja.

JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, expressed deep concern about the increasing sophistication of examination fraud, noting that results for 6,458 candidates are currently under scrutiny for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating.

“This year we come across a number of strange things, and we felt that it would be better if we expand our resources,” Oloyede said, emphasizing the need to utilize the nation’s abundant resources effectively.

He pointed out that malpractice has progressed beyond conventional methods into “technologically sophisticated forms,” including serious cases of biometric and identity fraud associated with both accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers and candidates themselves.

Oloyede highlighted the urgency for decisive action to protect the integrity of examinations, warning that unchecked malpractice could have detrimental effects across various sectors and damage Nigeria’s reputation.

While detailing the committee’s mandate, Oloyede disclosed that 141 cases of “normal” malpractice have been forwarded to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, while this new committee will address “extraordinary infractions,” which encompass issues such as image blending, albinism falsification, finger pairing, and unauthorized attempts to compromise CBT centers’ Local Area Networks.

The committee’s terms of reference include investigating cases of malpractices, identifying the methods and technologies used, reviewing current examination policies for improvements, determining the culpability of the suspected candidates, and proposing a framework to detect and prevent future technological fraud.

Oloyede emphasized the importance of a swift resolution, stating, “We have chosen three weeks because justice delayed is said to be justice denied.”

He noted that the findings would also be timely for candidates who may be cleared before the admission process concludes.

In response, committee chairman Dr. Jake Epele commended Oloyede’s leadership and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to upholding the examination’s integrity.

“Examination malpractice is not just a breach of rules. It is a direct assault on integrity, merit, and the future of our nation’s youth,” he asserted, promising to lead the committee with fairness and transparency.

The committee consists of distinguished members, including professors and representatives from several government agencies, educational associations, and the IT sector, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to tackling the rising challenge of examination malpractice.

Source: PUNCH

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