2025 UTME: JAMB Uncovers 4,251 Fingerprint Frauds, 190 AI Cheats
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) Special Committee on Examination Infractions (SCEIi) has submitted a disturbing report on how sophisticated forms of malpractice are undermining Nigeria’s admission process.
Presenting the findings to JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, in Abuja, Committee Chairman, Jake Epelle, revealed that the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was plagued by no fewer than 4,251 cases of “finger blending” and 192 cases of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted impersonation carried out through image morphing.
The report also documented 1,878 false disability claims, forged credentials, multiple NIN registrations, and collusion between candidates and examination syndicates.
According to the committee, the malpractice network is now highly organised, deeply technology-driven, and alarmingly normalised, with the complicity of parents, tutorial centres, schools, and some CBT operators. Weak enforcement mechanisms and inadequate legal frameworks have further emboldened these practices.
Inaugurated on August 18, the panel was mandated to investigate rising infractions, review JAMB’s existing systems, and propose reforms. It has now recommended a multi-pronged response, including AI-powered biometric anomaly detection, real-time monitoring, and the establishment of a central Examination Security Operations Centre.
Epelle stressed that unless urgent measures are taken, the credibility of Nigeria’s admission system and the future of young learners will remain at risk.
This development directly touches on a child’s right to education. Protecting the integrity of examinations safeguards every child’s right to equal educational opportunity, free from fraud, discrimination, or manipulation.
