By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has uncovered a massive network of technology-driven examination fraud threatening the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
A special committee set up by the Board submitted its report to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, detailing how syndicates deploy advanced digital tools to aid malpractice during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Committee chairman, Mr. Jake Epelle, revealed that investigators documented 4,251 cases of “finger blending,” a biometric manipulation scheme, and 192 cases of impersonation through AI-assisted image morphing during the 2025 UTME.
The probe also uncovered more than 1,800 false claims of albinism, alongside widespread credential forgery and multiple registrations.
Prof. Oloyede described the findings as “shocking,” but noted that actual infractions recorded on exam day were relatively low.
He assured that JAMB would introduce stricter policies and deploy stronger technology to prevent future breaches.
The revelations come as the Federal Government approved a new three-year ban on any student caught cheating in national examinations, including the UTME.
Enforcement will be tied to the National Identification Number (NIN), making it nearly impossible for offenders to evade sanctions.