UTME Malpractices: Anambra, Lagos Lead in 2025 Exam Fraud Cases
In a shocking revelation that has rattled Nigeria’s educational landscape,
the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has exposed widespread malpractice in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
With over 80 suspects currently under police investigation, the scandal points squarely at Anambra and Lagos states as the leading hubs of exam fraud this year.
The seriousness of the development underscores growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system and
the desperation of students to gain unfair advantages in the admission process.
Stakeholders are now questioning not just the conduct of the candidates but the role of examination centers, supervisors, and even family members.
Anambra and Lagos Under the Spotlight
According to official data released by JAMB, Anambra State recorded the highest number of suspects 14 in total.
Thirteen of them were caught impersonating other candidates, while one case involved a mismatched photograph that indicated deliberate identity tampering.
Lagos followed closely with nine suspects arrested for offenses ranging from impersonation and spying to illegal possession of mobile phones during the examination.
These startling revelations emerged during a press briefing held at the board’s headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar, expressed deep concern over the increasing sophistication of examination fraud.
He warned that unless drastic measures are taken, the situation could spiral further out of control.
“It’s not just about candidates anymore,” Prof. Oloyede noted. “There’s now an entire network involving CBT centers, hired impersonators, and in some cases, even parents.”
New Methods of Cheating: A Growing Menace
What makes the 2025 UTME fraud especially alarming is the level of technical sophistication deployed.
According to Prof. Oloyede, several candidates engaged in biometric and identity manipulation tactics that require significant planning and collaboration.
One such method involved the use of combined thumbprints of both the real candidate and an impersonator during registration.
This biometric fusion allowed imposters to bypass initial checks and attempt to write the exams on behalf of registered candidates.
Prof. Oloyede also cited instances of double registrations where candidates registered under different names and attempted to switch identities on examination day.
“We discovered several cases where people tried to alter their identities post-registration.
This isn’t just cheating it’s a criminal act,” he emphasized.
States Across the Nation Not Spared
While Anambra and Lagos led the chart, other states were not left out.
In Delta State, eight suspects were apprehended, all of whom were accused of impersonation.
Kano followed with seven arrests involving impersonation and illegal possession of mobile phones.
Kaduna and Rivers states each reported six suspects, while Ebonyi and Enugu registered five cases each mostly for impersonation.
One particularly disturbing case involved a visually impaired candidate who hired another visually impaired individual an undergraduate to sit for the exam on his behalf.
This incident reveals the extreme lengths to which some candidates are willing to go and raises concerns about moral decay even within vulnerable groups.
The implication of these developments is clear: the integrity of the UTME is under serious threat, and urgent reforms are needed to restore public confidence.
The Domino Effect: Systemic Failures and Institutional Complicity
Beyond the actions of the candidates, the scandal has exposed deep-seated issues within the education system.
CBT centers, which were supposed to serve as secure examination environments, have now become accomplices in fraud.
Many of the manipulations such as biometric fusions and identity swaps could only have occurred with insider assistance.
JAMB has identified and blacklisted several CBT centers found to be involved in aiding malpractice.
“We have reasons to believe that some CBT center operators are running organized crime rings,” Prof. Oloyede stated.
“They don’t just provide space; they coach candidates on how to beat the system.”
Performance Statistics Paint a Grim Picture
Aside from widespread cheating, the overall performance in the 2025 UTME was dismal.
According to JAMB, over 1.5 million of the 1.9 million candidates scored below 200 the midpoint of the maximum score of 400.
This raises serious questions about curriculum quality, student preparedness, and the effectiveness of secondary school education.
The UTME, which tests English and three other subjects based on the candidate’s desired course of study, revealed glaring deficiencies in foundational knowledge.
Educationists argue that poor teaching methods, outdated syllabi, and lack of motivation are responsible for the mass failure.
Others point to societal pressure and lack of career counseling as contributors to the malaise.
Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
While the introduction of CBT was meant to curb malpractice, it is now being exploited by tech-savvy fraudsters.
From biometric manipulation to remote access cheating, technology has become a double-edged sword.
JAMB is now exploring the integration of facial recognition systems and advanced AI tools to detect unusual behavior during exams.
Additionally, the board is considering introducing candidate tracking mechanisms from registration to result release to close loopholes.
“Technology will continue to play a central role,” said Prof. Oloyede. “But we must stay one step ahead of those trying to compromise the system.”
Impact on Stakeholders: Schools, Parents, and Society
The ripple effects of exam malpractice are not limited to JAMB or the candidates.
Schools lose credibility, honest students face unfair competition, and parents are forced to question the moral fabric being instilled in their children.
Parents, especially, are being urged to resist the temptation to aid or abet malpractice.
According to JAMB, some parents go as far as funding impersonators or bribing CBT officials.
A teacher in one of the affected states commented anonymously, “Some parents feel if their children don’t pass UTME, it reflects poorly on them.
So they do anything to secure success even if it’s fake.”
JAMB’s Next Steps and Legal Actions
JAMB has vowed not to let the issue rest.
The board has initiated criminal proceedings against many of the arrested individuals and intends to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure prosecution.
Moreover, a comprehensive report detailing the nature of each malpractice, the location, and parties involved will be released to the public.
This move aims to name and shame the perpetrators, thereby discouraging future occurrences.
“We owe it to the honest candidates to protect the integrity of the exam,” Prof. Oloyede affirmed. “And we are ready to take the fight to the courts.”
Public Reactions: A Call for Change
Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their concerns and anger.
The hashtag #UTME2025Scandal has been trending, with many demanding stricter laws and permanent blacklisting for both candidates and centers involved.
Educational NGOs have also weighed in, calling for urgent reforms in the examination process,
improved teacher training, and digital literacy for both students and invigilators.
“Unless we take collective action now, the credibility of our entire education system is at stake,” warned a spokesperson from Education Watch Nigeria.
Conclusion: A Call to Uphold Integrity in Education
The revelations from the 2025 UTME scandal are not just alarming they’re a wake-up call.
From Anambra to Lagos and beyond, the sheer scale of malpractice points to a national crisis that must be tackled holistically.
JAMB’s firm stance and planned reforms are commendable, but they cannot do it alone.
Government agencies, schools, parents, and the candidates themselves must work together to restore dignity to education in Nigeria.
Only through collective effort and unwavering commitment to integrity can Nigeria hope to build a future where merit, not manipulation, determines success.
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Source: punch newspaper
Author: Adesuwa Bright
Date: May 11, 2025
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