JAMB arrests candidates, parent over AI-faked UTME results

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the arrest of two candidates and a parent over the alleged falsification of results in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, raising fresh concerns about examination malpractice in the country’s tertiary admission process.

The development was disclosed on Friday as the board released the results of 632,788 candidates who sat for the examination on Thursday, April 16.

In a statement issued by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the suspects were said to have been apprehended for manipulating official SMS result notifications using artificial intelligence and other electronic tools. According to the board, the individuals allegedly altered or fabricated scores with the intent to mislead parents, guardians, and the general public.

Benjamin described the act as a serious criminal offence, stressing that the board would not tolerate any form of examination malpractice, particularly those involving emerging technologies. He added that JAMB is working with relevant security agencies to ensure that all those involved are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement noted.

The incident highlights growing concerns over the misuse of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to compromise the integrity of public examinations. Education stakeholders have increasingly warned that such practices could undermine trust in Nigeria’s already strained admission system if not decisively addressed.

JAMB also issued a strong advisory to candidates, warning against tampering with result messages sent through its official SMS platforms. It reiterated that the only authorised channels for checking UTME results remain the dedicated shortcodes 55019 and 66019.

Candidates who participated in the April 16 examination have been advised to verify their results by sending “UTMERESULT” through SMS to either of the approved numbers using the phone number linked to their registration.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency, fairness, and credibility in the conduct of the UTME, while urging candidates and parents to avoid shortcuts that could lead to legal consequences.