JAMB Uncovers Over 6,000 AI, Other Technology-Driven Malpractices in 2025 UTME

JAMB Uncovers Over 6,000 AI, Technology-Driven Malpractices in 2025 UTME.
Infractions include biometric fraud, AI image morphing, and false disability claims.
Panel urged legal reforms, sanctions, and stronger AI-driven monitoring systems

The Special Committee on Examination Infractions of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered more than 6,000 cases of technology-enabled malpractice in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the committee’s chairman, Dr Jake Epelle, presented the findings on Monday in Abuja, describing examination fraud as “a highly organised, technology-driven, and culturally normalised enterprise.”

According to him, the panel documented 4,251 cases of “finger blending,” 190 cases of AI-assisted image morphing, and 1,878 instances where candidates falsely claimed to be albinos. Several others involved biometric fraud, fake National Identification Numbers (NINs), credential forgery, multiple registrations, and syndicate-backed fraud.

Epelle explained that the malpractice network extends beyond candidates to include some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, parents, schools, tutorial operators, and technical accomplices.

He warned that existing legal frameworks are inadequate to address the growing threat of biometric and digital fraud, noting that public trust in the examination system is already under pressure.

The committee recommended that JAMB adopt stronger technology-driven safeguards, including AI-powered biometric anomaly detection, dual verification systems, real-time monitoring, and the establishment of a National Examination Security Operations Centre.

It further advised the board to cancel results of confirmed fraudulent candidates, impose one to three-year bans, prosecute offenders and collaborators, and create a Central Sanctions Registry accessible to institutions and employers.

Technology-Driven Malpractices in 2025 UTME

Other recommendations included digitising correction workflows, strengthening mobile-first self-service platforms, tightening disability verification, and banning bulk registrations led by schools.

The panel also urged amendments to the JAMB Act and the Examination Malpractice Act to recognise biometric and digital fraud. It proposed the creation of a dedicated Legal Unit within JAMB to handle such cases effectively.

JAMB inaugurated the Special Committee on August 18 with the mandate to investigate rising cases of technology-enabled malpractice and propose sustainable measures.

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