The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed widespread examination malpractice during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to findings from its Special Committee on Examination Infractions (SCEI), a total of 4,251 cases of “finger blending” — a biometric manipulation technique used to beat fingerprint verification — were detected across examination centres.

Presenting its report at JAMB headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Jake Epelle, identified 190 instances of Artificial Intelligence–assisted impersonation, where candidates allegedly relied on image morphing technology to falsify their identities.

The panel, inaugurated last month, was tasked with probing rising infractions, reviewing JAMB’s systems, and recommending reforms.

Dr. Epelle disclosed that the committee uncovered 1,878 cases of false disability claims, alongside incidents of forged documents, multiple National Identification Number (NIN) registrations, and collusion between candidates and organised examination syndicates.

He noted that malpractice has evolved into a highly structured, technology-driven enterprise that is becoming dangerously normalised. Epelle further alleged that parents, tutorial centres, schools, and some CBT centre operators were actively involved, while weak legal provisions continued to hinder effective enforcement.

To restore credibility to the admissions process, the committee recommended that JAMB implement a multi-layered strategy, including the use of AI-based biometric anomaly detection, real-time surveillance, and the establishment of a central Examination Security Operations Centre.

Other measures proposed include annulling fraudulent results, imposing one- to three-year bans, prosecuting offenders and their collaborators, and setting up a Central Sanctions Registry accessible to institutions and employers.

For prevention, the panel urged digitisation of correction procedures, stricter disability verification, improved mobile-first platforms, and a ban on bulk registrations coordinated by schools.

It also advised legislative reforms through amendments to the JAMB Act and the Examination Malpractice Act to cover biometric and digital fraud, as well as the creation of a dedicated Legal Unit within the examination body.

For under-18 offenders, it recommends rehabilitative measures under the Child Rights Act, including counselling and supervised re-registration rather than punitive sanctions.

Also, the committee emphasised the importance of cultural change, calling for a nationwide “Integrity First” campaign, the integration of ethics into school curricula, and stronger parental accountability in tackling examination malpractice.

Receiving the report, JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, commended the committee for its painstaking work and described the findings as “a wake-up call to the entire education sector.”

He stressed that while JAMB has made notable improvements in curbing malpractice over the years, the sophistication of new schemes shows that the fight must be continuous and adaptive.

Oloyede further assured stakeholders that the Board would act decisively on the recommendations, especially in areas where legal loopholes and systemic weaknesses had been exploited. He revealed that discussions were already underway with security agencies and the National Assembly to strengthen the legal framework against emerging digital fraud.

He also underscored the responsibility of families, schools, and society at large in discouraging examination misconduct. According to him, the alarming involvement of parents and tutorial centres in facilitating malpractice signals a deeper ethical crisis that requires urgent national dialogue and reorientation.

The Registrar concluded by reaffirming JAMB’s commitment to transparency, equity, and fairness in Nigeria’s admission process.

He promised that the Board would continue to invest in advanced technology, build stronger collaborations with institutions, and intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure that merit remains the sole determinant of access to higher education.