A Katsina youth, Ibrahim Abdulaziz, has been sentenced to three years in prison for impersonating a candidate during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB). The conviction was handed down by a Federal High Court in Katsina on Thursday.
The court found Abdulaziz guilty of impersonating Bolanwu Emmanuel, a UTME candidate, on April 30, 2025, at Zee Alpha Academy in Funtua, Katsina State. The offences are punishable under sections 3(1)(a) and (b), and 3(2)(c) of the Examinations Malpractice Act, Cap E15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Abdulaziz had denied any link to the first defendant, Bolanwu Emmanuel, but failed to prove his claim in court. The prosecution presented three witnesses and tendered the examination slip as evidence, which was admitted by the court despite objections from the defence counsel.
The court's decision to sentence Abdulaziz to three years imprisonment without option of fine is intended to serve as a deterrent to others. The first defendant, Bolanwu Emmanuel, was discharged and acquitted by the court.
The court's decision to sentence Ibrahim Abdulaziz to three years in prison for impersonating a UTME candidate sends a strong message to those who engage in examination malpractice. The conviction highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent such cases in the future. The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) must take concrete steps to ensure the integrity of its exams, including implementing robust security measures to prevent impersonation. This case is a reminder that examination malpractice has serious consequences, and those who engage in it will be held accountable. The sentence also underscores the importance of upholding the law and protecting the integrity of the education system.
