The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has inaugurated a special examination malpractice committee in response to widespread infractions discovered during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The board also directed public universities nationwide to finalize their 2025 admission processes by October 31, 2025.
The establishment of this committee represents part of JAMB’s renewed efforts to combat irregularities in Nigeria’s largest tertiary entrance examination.
During the inauguration ceremony at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasized that the move underscores the board’s determination to protect examination integrity.
Oloyede described examination malpractice as one of the most serious threats to Nigeria’s education system, stressing that proactive measures are essential to maintain fairness and credibility in admissions.
He expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of exam fraud, revealing that results of 6,458 candidates remain under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating methods.
Prof. Oloyede stated, “This year, we came across a number of strange things and we felt it would be better if we expand our resources. And we believe that God has endowed this nation with a lot of resources we can tap from.”
The registrar noted that malpractice has evolved beyond traditional methods to include “technologically sophisticated forms” such as biometric and identity fraud perpetrated by both candidates and some accredited Computer-Based Test centers.
He declared that “examination malpractice is something we must fight with every pint of blood in our veins,” warning that unchecked fraud could damage multiple sectors and tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation.
While 141 cases of “normal” exam malpractice have been referred to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the newly formed special committee will handle “extraordinary infractions” including image blending, falsification of albinism claims, finger pairing, and attempts to breach CBT centers’ Local Area Networks.
The committee’s terms of reference include investigating all cases of image blending, finger blending, false albinism claims, and result falsification in the 2025 examinations; identifying the methods, patterns, tools, and technologies used to perpetrate these infractions; reviewing current examination and registration policies; determining the culpability of the 6,458 suspected candidates whose results are being withheld; recommending appropriate disciplinary actions; proposing a proactive framework for detecting and preventing technologically-enabled examination fraud; and submitting a report within three weeks.
Oloyede explained the tight timeline: “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.”
Committee members drawn from academia, the legal profession, security agencies, and civil society were charged to discharge their duties with fairness, diligence, and integrity.
Committee Chairman Jake Epelle, Founder of The Albino Foundation, assured the board of their commitment to upholding this trust. He emphasized that examination malpractice not only undermines result credibility but also erodes societal values and confidence in the education system.
Epelle stated: “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. You have a call from God Almighty to defend the credibility of our examination, restore public confidence, and ensure that diligence and honesty remain the true pathway to opportunity. I assure you that I will lead this committee with fairness, transparency and determination.”
In a related development, JAMB has mandated that all public universities complete their 2025 admission processes by October 31, while private universities must conclude admissions by November 30. All tertiary institutions, both public and private, must finalize admissions by December 31, 2025.
These directives, contained in a weekly bulletin released on Monday, align with the schedule approved during the 2025 Policy Meeting chaired by the Minister of Education. The measures aim to stabilize the academic calendar and ensure equitable access to admission slots across all institutions.
JAMB clarified that “even where an institution is not yet ready to commence the new academic session, such an institution should conduct its admission and archive it.” The board also instructed institutions conducting post-UTME screenings to conclude these exercises promptly to comply with the 2025 admission schedule.
