UTME 2025: JAMB Proposes Strict Sanctions for 11 CBT Centers
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recommended strict penalties for 11 computer-based test (CBT) centres and their registrants found guilty of fingerprint registration irregularities during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This announcement was made by the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, following a high-level meeting with critical stakeholders and affected parties held in Abuja.
According to Professor Oloyede, the proposed measures, which are subject to the approval of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, are aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the examination process.
Among the recommendations is a three-year suspension for any registrant found to have been involved in registering more than 50 candidates with fingerprint-related infractions.
Such individuals will be barred not only from participating in any UTME-related activity but also from registering for or taking part in other national examinations such as those conducted by WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB.
After three years, their cases may be reviewed, and if they have shown genuine remorse, the suspension could be lifted.
For those involved in fewer than 50 fraudulent registrations, JAMB is proposing a written apology, a signed bond of good conduct, and a warning. In the case of the CBT centres, JAMB is recommending that they also be issued warnings and required to sign bonds.
In addition, the centres must provide evidence that their staff have undergone ethical training facilitated by a nearby federal university. The training must be certified by the appropriate academic department, and only upon fulfilling these conditions will the centres be considered for future engagement with JAMB.
Professor Oloyede stressed that ignorance would no longer be accepted as an excuse for malpractice. He stated that the affected centres would not be permitted to work with JAMB until they present valid proof of ethical training endorsed by a federal institution.
He also noted that any centre owned by the federal government would be reported to the relevant authorities for necessary disciplinary action.
During the meeting, some of the affected registrants and CBT centre representatives admitted to engaging in unethical practices, citing ignorance or pressure to register more candidates as reasons. Many broke down in tears and pleaded for leniency.
One of the stakeholders present, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, called the infractions criminal and said they warranted prosecution and possible jail terms. However, he appealed to JAMB to temper justice with mercy and have the offenders sign legal undertakings to abstain from such behaviour in the future.
Meanwhile, Bashir Gumel, an official of Jicoras CBT Centre in Jigawa State, stated that his centre had begun an internal investigation into the matter. He affirmed that disciplinary actions would be taken and shared with JAMB, pledging that such incidents would not be repeated.
The affected centres include:
- Misau Emirate ICT Centre, Bauchi State
- Ijaw National Academy, Bayelsa State
- Directorate of ICT, Nigerian Army University, Gombe State
- Emerald IT Academy Limited, Edo State
- Tigh Technologies, Sascon International School, Abuja
- Jicoras CBT Centre, Jigawa State
- Huntsville Technology Limited, Lagos State
- Jolas College CBT Centre, Lagos State
- Abdul Ocean Wealth CBT Centre, Oyo State
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Wase, Plateau State
- Consulate Salle D’Examen CBT Centre, Rivers State
This latest action by JAMB sends a strong signal about the Board’s determination to uphold transparency and accountability in the administration of public examinations in Nigeria.
