On September 8, 2025, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria’s premier examination body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealed a staggering discovery of widespread examination malpractice during the 2025 UTME. According to a detailed report submitted by JAMB’s Special Committee on Examination Infractions (SCEI), a total of 4,251 cases of biometric fraud, specifically “finger blending,” were uncovered, alongside 190 instances of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted impersonation through image morphing. This revelation, presented at JAMB’s headquarters in Abuja, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s education sector, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the country’s admission processes and the broader implications for its educational system.
The committee, chaired by Dr. Jake Epelle, was inaugurated on August 18, 2025, with a mandate to investigate the rising tide of examination infractions, assess the vulnerabilities in JAMB’s systems, and propose actionable reforms to safeguard the credibility of the UTME. The findings, described by Epelle as a “moral obligation, a national service, and a fight for the soul of meritocracy in Nigeria,” expose a sophisticated, technology-driven, and highly organized network of malpractice that threatens to undermine the principles of fairness and merit in Nigeria’s tertiary education admissions.
This article delves into the details of the committee’s findings, explores the nature and extent of the malpractices uncovered, analyzes the systemic issues contributing to this crisis, and evaluates the proposed solutions. It also contextualizes the issue within Nigeria’s broader educational and socio-cultural landscape, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to restore public trust in the examination system.
The Scale of the Malpractice Crisis
The 2025 UTME, which serves as the gateway for millions of Nigerian students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, was marred by an unprecedented level of examination fraud. The SCEI report documented a total of 6,319 candidates involved in various forms of malpractice, with 4,251 cases specifically linked to “finger blending”—a biometric manipulation technique used to circumvent fingerprint verification protocols. This technique involves merging or altering fingerprints to allow multiple individuals to register under a single identity, effectively enabling impersonation or unauthorized access to the examination process.
In addition to finger blending, the committee identified 190 cases of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing, a sophisticated method where fraudsters use AI tools to superimpose a candidate’s face onto an impostor’s body, creating “deepfake” identities that can deceive biometric verification systems. This use of cutting-edge technology marks a significant evolution in examination malpractice, moving beyond traditional cheating methods like smuggling answer sheets or colluding with invigilators to a highly technical and organized enterprise.
The report also highlighted 1,878 cases of false disability claims, where candidates misrepresented their physical conditions—such as claiming albinism—to gain undue advantages, such as extra examination time or relaxed supervision. Other infractions included forged credentials, multiple registrations using different National Identification Numbers (NINs), and collusion between candidates and examination syndicates. In a particularly alarming revelation, JAMB identified 244 candidates involved in “WhatsApp runs,” where candidates subscribed to rogue groups promising leaked examination questions, further exposing the depth of the cheating network.
Dr. Epelle, in presenting the report to JAMB Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede, described the situation as “dangerously normalized,” noting that malpractice has become a well-coordinated criminal enterprise involving not only candidates but also parents, tutorial centers, schools, and even some Computer-Based Test (CBT) center operators. This complicity of multiple stakeholders underscores the systemic nature of the problem and the challenges JAMB faces in enforcing accountability.
Systemic Vulnerabilities in JAMB’s Processes
The SCEI’s investigation revealed that the malpractices uncovered in the 2025 UTME were facilitated by significant vulnerabilities in JAMB’s registration and examination administration systems. For instance, the reliance on biometric verification, while intended to enhance security, has been exploited through advanced techniques like finger blending and image morphing. These methods exploit gaps in the biometric systems, which are not yet equipped to detect such sophisticated manipulations.
Moreover, the report pointed to weak legal frameworks as a major barrier to effective enforcement. Current laws, including the JAMB Act and the Examination Malpractice Act, do not adequately address biometric and digital fraud, leaving JAMB with limited legal tools to prosecute offenders. This gap in legislation has allowed perpetrators to operate with relative impunity, further emboldening syndicates to devise new methods of cheating.
The involvement of CBT centers in facilitating malpractice is another critical issue. Some centers were found to have aided candidates in bypassing biometric protocols, registering multiple fingerprints, or even colluding with syndicates to manipulate the examination process. JAMB identified specific centers, such as Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon International School in Maitama, Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Technology in Kano State, and Penta M & Centre 2 in Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto State, as being implicated in these activities. This collusion highlights the need for stricter oversight and accountability measures for CBT centers, which serve as critical gatekeepers in the UTME process.
The committee also noted the role of societal attitudes in perpetuating malpractice. The normalization of cheating, driven by a culture that sometimes prioritizes results over integrity, has created an environment where candidates, parents, and even educators see examination fraud as a viable shortcut to success. This cultural dimension complicates efforts to address the problem, as it requires not only technical and legal reforms but also a broader societal shift in values.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Education System Under Threat
The findings of the SCEI report are not an isolated incident but part of a broader crisis in Nigeria’s education system. The UTME, which annually sees over 1.9 million candidates vying for limited tertiary institution slots, is a high-stakes examination that often determines the academic and professional futures of young Nigerians. The intense competition, coupled with systemic issues such as inadequate educational infrastructure, limited admission spaces, and socioeconomic pressures, creates a fertile ground for malpractice.
Nigeria’s tertiary education system is plagued by challenges, including underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, and disparities in access to quality education. For many candidates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the UTME represents a critical opportunity to escape poverty and secure a better future. This pressure drives some to resort to unethical means to gain an edge, especially when they perceive the system as inherently unfair or inaccessible. The involvement of parents and tutorial centers in facilitating malpractice reflects a broader societal desperation to navigate these systemic barriers.
Moreover, the rise of technology-driven fraud, such as AI-assisted impersonation and finger blending, mirrors global trends in the misuse of technology. As AI and biometric manipulation tools become more accessible, examination bodies worldwide are grappling with similar challenges. However, Nigeria’s unique context—marked by weak regulatory frameworks, widespread corruption, and a lack of technological infrastructure to counter such fraud—makes the problem particularly acute.
The normalization of malpractice also has long-term implications for Nigeria’s human capital development. If left unchecked, the erosion of meritocracy in the education system could lead to a generation of professionals who lack the skills and integrity needed to drive national development. As Dr. Epelle warned, “If left unchecked, examination malpractice will continue to erode merit, undermine public trust, and destroy the very foundation of Nigeria’s education and human capital development.”
JAMB’s Response and the Path Forward
In response to the SCEI’s findings, JAMB has taken immediate steps to address the malpractices uncovered. The board withheld the results of 96 candidates confirmed to have engaged in infractions, a reduction from 123 in 2024, while 39,834 results remain under investigation. Additionally, 3,656 candidates were flagged for “extraneous fingers” in their registration details, and 2,157 experienced fingerprint rejections, indicating potential impersonation attempts. These actions demonstrate JAMB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the UTME, but they also highlight the scale of the challenge.
The SCEI proposed a multi-pronged strategy to combat examination malpractice, focusing on detection, deterrence, and prevention. Key recommendations include:
Technological Upgrades: The committee urged JAMB to deploy AI-powered biometric anomaly detection tools to identify and prevent finger blending and image morphing. Real-time monitoring systems and a centralized Examination Security Operations Centre (ESOC) were also recommended to track and respond to threats during examinations. These measures aim to close the technological gap that fraudsters have exploited.
Sanctions and Prosecution: The committee advocated for the cancellation of fraudulent results, imposition of one- to three-year bans on offenders, and prosecution of both candidates and their collaborators. A Central Sanctions Registry, accessible to institutions and employers, was proposed to ensure that offenders face long-term consequences.
Legal Reforms: To address the inadequacy of current laws, the committee called for amendments to the JAMB Act and the Examination Malpractice Act to explicitly cover biometric and digital fraud. The establishment of a dedicated Legal Unit within JAMB was also recommended to strengthen enforcement.
Preventive Measures: The committee suggested digitizing correction processes, strengthening disability verification protocols, enhancing mobile-first platforms, and banning bulk school-led registrations, which have been exploited by syndicates. These measures aim to reduce vulnerabilities in the registration and examination processes.
Cultural Reorientation: Recognizing the societal roots of the problem, the committee proposed a nationwide “Integrity First” campaign to promote ethical values among students, parents, and educators. It also recommended embedding ethics in school curricula and holding parents accountable for aiding malpractice. For underage offenders, rehabilitative measures under the Child Rights Act, such as counseling and supervised re-registration, were suggested to balance accountability with compassion.
JAMB Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede, in receiving the report, commended the committee’s thoroughness and reiterated the board’s commitment to implementing the recommendations. He emphasized that examination malpractice is a “fight we must win with every pinch of blood in our veins,” underscoring the urgency of the situation. Oloyede also highlighted the need for collaboration with other stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society, to address the crisis holistically.
Challenges and Opportunities for Reform
While the SCEI’s recommendations provide a robust framework for addressing examination malpractice, their implementation faces significant challenges. First, the adoption of advanced technologies like AI-powered biometric tools requires substantial investment in infrastructure and training, which may strain JAMB’s resources given Nigeria’s economic constraints. Second, legal reforms depend on the cooperation of the National Assembly, which has historically been slow to enact educational reforms. Third, changing societal attitudes toward integrity and meritocracy is a long-term endeavor that requires sustained effort and cultural shift.
Despite these challenges, the crisis presents an opportunity for JAMB to modernize its systems and strengthen its role as a gatekeeper of Nigeria’s tertiary education. By leveraging technology, enhancing legal frameworks, and fostering a culture of integrity, JAMB can restore public trust in the UTME and set a precedent for other examination bodies in Africa. The proposed “Integrity First” campaign, for instance, could serve as a model for promoting ethical values across the education sector, while the establishment of a Central Sanctions Registry could deter future infractions by ensuring lasting consequences for offenders.
The Role of Stakeholders
Addressing examination malpractice is not JAMB’s responsibility alone; it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders in Nigeria’s education ecosystem. The government must prioritize funding for education and support legislative reforms to strengthen JAMB’s enforcement powers. Schools and tutorial centers must adopt stricter ethical standards and refrain from facilitating malpractice. Parents, as key influencers, must model integrity and discourage their children from engaging in fraudulent practices. Finally, students themselves must be empowered to value hard work and merit over shortcuts, recognizing that cheating undermines their own potential and the nation’s future.
Civil society organizations and the media also have a critical role to play in raising awareness about the consequences of examination malpractice and advocating for systemic reforms. By amplifying the “Integrity First” campaign and holding stakeholders accountable, they can help shift the narrative toward a culture of fairness and excellence.
Conclusion
The discovery of 4,251 biometric fraud cases and other malpractices in the 2025 UTME is a wake-up call for Nigeria’s education system. The findings of JAMB’s Special Committee on Examination Infractions reveal a sophisticated and deeply entrenched network of fraud that threatens the credibility of the UTME and the broader principles of meritocracy. While the scale of the problem is daunting, the committee’s recommendations offer a roadmap for restoring integrity through technological innovation, legal reforms, and cultural reorientation.
As Nigeria grapples with this crisis, the stakes could not be higher. The education system is the foundation of the nation’s human capital, and its integrity must be fiercely protected. By implementing the proposed reforms and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, JAMB can lead the charge in turning the tide against examination malpractice. The fight for a fair and credible admission process is not just about securing the future of individual students but about safeguarding the soul of Nigeria’s education system for generations to come.
