The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered 4,251 cases of fingerprint manipulation and 190 instances of AI-assisted cheating in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The panel, inaugurated on August 18, 2025, was tasked with investigating rising exam infractions, reviewing JAMB’s systems, and recommending reforms.
Investigations revealed candidates using sophisticated techniques to bypass biometric verification, falsify identities, submit false disability claims, and collaborate with organized syndicates.
Chairman Dr. Jake Epelle said malpractice has become highly structured, involving parents, schools, tutorial centers, and some CBT operators, while weak laws have limited enforcement.
The committee recommended stronger AI-based verification, a central exam security operations centre, cancellation of fraudulent results, prosecution of offenders, and the creation of a central sanctions registry.
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Other measures include tighter disability checks, securing mobile platforms, banning bulk registrations, legal reforms to recognize biometric and digital fraud, a dedicated legal unit within JAMB, and a nationwide ethics campaign.
For offenders under 18, the panel suggested counseling and supervised reintegration.
Dr. Epelle warned that failure to act decisively could undermine merit and public trust, eroding the foundation of Nigeria’s education system.