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2026 UTME: JAMB bursts examination fraud syndicate, takes action

Naija News • 1d ago
2026 UTME: JAMB bursts examination fraud syndicate, takes action
**JAMB Cracks Down on Examination Scammers in Nigeria** In a move to protect the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has busted a sophisticated syndicate that used artificial intelligence to facilitate examination fraud. This shocking revelation has raised concerns about the future of Nigeria's education system. According to Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, the syndicate exploited technology to dupe unsuspecting candidates and their parents, creating fake identities and images to solicit payments. The syndicate, which involved three JAMB staff members, had successfully convinced over 100 candidates to pay for illicit services across 25 states in Nigeria. The Registrar warned that parents who bankroll such practices are putting their children's future at risk. He emphasized that the education board has invested heavily in technology, financial, and institutional safeguards to protect the credibility of the UTME, which is essential to defend the millions of honest candidates. Oloyede also debunked claims that JAMB had increased registration fees, describing the assertions as false and politically motivated. He urged the public to report any centre charging above approved rates, as some computer-based test centres have already been suspended for infractions. The JAMB Registrar expressed concern over the role of tutorial and remedial centres, many operating from uncompleted buildings or market spaces, in facilitating examination malpractice. He also lamented the high number of underage candidates implicated in the scheme, attributing it to parental pressure and misplaced confidence. To address the moral and social dimensions of the problem, JAMB will intensify collaboration with the National Orientation Agency and security agencies. The board has vowed to take decisive action against those involved in the syndicate, including dismissing three staff members and cancelling the registrations of implicated candidates. As the nation grapples with the implications of this scandal, one thing is clear: the education system in Nigeria cannot afford to compromise on integrity and fairness. It is now up to parents, students, and stakeholders to work together to prevent such scams and ensure that the UTME remains a merit-based examination.
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.