JAMB Raises Alarm Over Surge in Sophisticated Digital Exam Fraud, Investigates Over 3,000 Suspects

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has voiced serious concern over an alarming increase in digital examination fraud during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

According to JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, more than 3,000 candidates are currently under investigation for involvement in various high-tech cheating schemes. 

Speaking in Abuja, Professor Oloyede described the methods being used as “advanced and deeply troubling,” warning that they pose a significant threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s education system, national development, and the integrity of academic assessments. 

“Rather than addressing the root of the issue, some individuals are busy promoting conspiracy theories and hatred. 

Meanwhile, our collective future is at risk due to these digital fraudsters,” he said. 

The registrar detailed several disturbing methods uncovered during the recent examinations, including:

 Hacking of CBT centres: Some school and CBT centre operators allegedly infiltrated networks to remotely control candidates’ computers and submit answers on their behalf. 

AI-driven impersonation: Use of artificial intelligence to merge photos of candidates with impersonators, often involving current university students. 

Fingerprint manipulation: Registering candidates using fingerprints from multiple people. 

LAN extension schemes: Extending Local Area Networks to offsite “strong rooms” for unauthorized access. 

Mercenary pairing: Hiring skilled individuals to gain access to exam halls in place of actual candidates. 

These methods led to the withdrawal of several candidates’ results and the arrest of suspects nationwide. 

Despite these challenges, Oloyede expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s security agencies and other examination bodies — including NECO, WAEC, TRCN, and ABU — for supporting the rescheduled UTME exams. 

He praised their flexibility and commitment to preserving the examination calendar. 

Oloyede also thanked the Nigerian government and the public for their understanding and assured that JAMB remains dedicated to transparency and accountability in conducting future exams.