The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has identified Anambra and Lagos as the states with the highest number of examination malpractices during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to JAMB, 80 suspects are under investigation nationwide for various forms of exam fraud. Of these, Anambra accounted for 14 arrests, primarily related to impersonation and a case involving a mismatch in a candidate’s photograph. Lagos followed closely with nine arrests for offenses including impersonation, spying, and the possession of mobile phones during the exam.
During a press conference at the board’s Abuja headquarters, JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, revealed these figures. He highlighted a troubling rise in sophisticated fraud tactics during the exam and the registration process. Among these, identity and biometric frauds have been detected, such as using combined thumbprints between candidates and impersonators, often facilitated by compromised Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers. Other fraudulent practices include double registrations and candidates attempting to switch places with another person.
The board also reported significant malpractice cases from other states, including Delta, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Ebonyi, and Enugu. Delta had eight arrests for impersonation, while Kano saw seven suspects involved in impersonation and mobile phone possession. Kaduna had six arrests for similar offenses, and Rivers recorded six individuals apprehended for impersonation and carrying mobile phones and calculators. Both Ebonyi and Enugu each saw five cases of impersonation.
In a shocking twist, Oloyede disclosed that a blind candidate had hired another blind man, an undergraduate, to impersonate him in the exam. The 2025 UTME results were officially released on Friday, revealing that out of 1.9 million candidates, more than 1.5 million scored below 200 marks, which is considered the average threshold for success in the exam.
