JAMB Panel Uncovers 4,251 Fingerprint Manipulations, 190 AI Cheats in 2025 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered thousands of technology-enabled examination fraud cases in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), following a detailed investigation by its Special Committee on Examination Infractions (SCEI).

Presenting its report in Abuja to JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the committee’s chairman, Jake Epelle, revealed that the team detected 4,251 cases of fingerprint manipulation — also known as “finger blending” — and 192 instances of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing.

The findings highlight how advanced digital tools are increasingly being used to undermine Nigeria’s admission process.

Epelle explained that the committee also discovered 1,878 fake disability claims, forged credentials, multiple National Identification Number (NIN) registrations, and collusion between candidates and examination syndicates.

According to him, “Exam malpractice has become highly organised, technology-driven, and dangerously normalised. Parents, tutorial centres, schools, and even some CBT operators are deeply complicit in this fraud.”

He further lamented that weak enforcement mechanisms and legal loopholes have made it difficult to curb these practices.

The committee, which was inaugurated on August 18, 2025, was tasked with investigating rising examination infractions, reviewing JAMB’s systems, and recommending reforms to strengthen exam integrity.

In its recommendations, the panel urged JAMB to deploy:

• AI-powered biometric anomaly detection tools

• Real-time monitoring systems

• A central Examination Security Operations Centre (ESOC) to track suspicious activities and prevent impersonation.

The report reinforces JAMB’s commitment to restoring credibility and transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.