Introduction to the Issue
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has inaugurated a special committee to investigate cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Inaugurating the 23-member committee in Abuja on Monday, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, expressed concerns over the rising sophistication in perpetrating exam fraud.
The Scope of the Problem
Oloyede revealed that the results of 6,458 candidates remained under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating. He noted that malpractices had evolved beyond traditional schemes into “technologically sophisticated forms,” including multiple cases of biometric and identity fraud by some accredited CBT centres and candidates. The registrar stressed the need for urgent action to protect the credibility of examinations.
The Committee’s Mandate
The registrar disclosed that while 141 cases of “normal” exam malpractice had been sent to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the committee would handle the “extraordinary infractions,” such as image blending, albinism falsification, finger pairing, and attempts to breach some CBT centres’ Local Area Network. The terms of reference of the committee include:
- Investigate all the cases of image blending, finger blending, false claim of albinism and result falsification in the 2025 examination.
- Identify the methods, patterns, tools, and technologies used to perpetrate this infraction.
- Review current examination and registration policies and recommend improvements.
- Determine the culpability or otherwise of each of the 6,458 suspected candidates whose results, excluding the albinism group, are still being withheld.
Committee Composition and Timeline
The committee is composed of 23 members, including Prof. Muhammad Bello, Prof. Samuel Odewummi, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu, and Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni (rtd.), among others. The committee has been given three weeks to complete its assignment. According to Oloyede, “We have chosen three weeks because justice delayed is said to be justice denied. In about four weeks, admission will close. And we believe that those who are found not to be guilty should have the opportunity.”
Response from the Committee Chairman
Responding, the committee chairman Dr Jake Epele, thanked Oloyede’s leadership and pledged the committee’s commitment and dedication to the assignment. He stated that “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. The task before us is therefore a sacred one. I believe that everyone in this committee, you don’t have a committee job. You have a call from God Almighty. The call is to defend the credibility of our examination, restore public confidence, and ensure that diligence and honesty remains the true pathway to opportunity.”
Conclusion
The inauguration of the special committee by JAMB is a significant step in addressing the rising issue of technology-driven malpractice in the UTME. With the committee’s composition and mandate, there is hope that the credibility of the examination will be protected, and those involved in malpractice will be held accountable. The committee’s work is crucial in ensuring that the future of Nigeria’s youth is built on integrity, merit, and honesty.
FAQs
- What is the main purpose of the special committee inaugurated by JAMB?
The main purpose of the committee is to investigate cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 UTME. - How many candidates are under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating?
6,458 candidates are under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating. - What is the timeline given to the committee to complete its assignment?
The committee has been given three weeks to complete its assignment. - Who is the chairman of the special committee?
Dr Jake Epele is the chairman of the special committee. - What is the composition of the special committee?
The committee is composed of 23 members, including professors, a police commissioner, and representatives from Microsoft Africa and the National Association of Nigerian Students.
