The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has been marred by significant malpractice, prompting a police investigation into 80 suspects across multiple states in Nigeria. Data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reveals a concerning trend of examination fraud, with Anambra and Lagos states leading in the number of arrests. Anambra recorded the highest number of suspects, with 14 individuals apprehended for impersonation and picture mismatch. Lagos followed closely with nine arrests related to impersonation, spying, and possession of prohibited mobile phones within the examination centers. These findings underscore the sophisticated and evolving nature of examination malpractice, posing a significant challenge to the integrity of the UTME process.
The prevalence of impersonation as a primary method of malpractice is particularly alarming. In several instances, candidates conspired with others to have them take the exam in their place, utilizing fraudulent means to bypass biometric verification systems. This tactic highlights the vulnerability of the examination system to manipulation and the desperate measures some individuals are willing to take to gain an unfair advantage. The involvement of some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in facilitating these fraudulent activities further complicates the issue, raising concerns about the oversight and accountability within the examination infrastructure.
Beyond impersonation, other forms of malpractice were also observed. These included double registration, where candidates attempted to register for the exam twice under different identities, likely to improve their chances of success. The possession of prohibited items, such as mobile phones and calculators, within the examination halls points to attempts to access external information or communicate with others during the exam. A particularly striking case involves a blind candidate who hired another blind individual, an undergraduate student, to impersonate him during the UTME. This incident exemplifies the lengths to which some individuals will go to circumvent the rules and regulations.
The release of the 2025 UTME results further underscores the challenges facing the Nigerian education system. Out of the approximately 1.9 million candidates who participated in the exam, over 1.5 million scored below 200, a score generally considered the average benchmark out of a possible 400. This statistic reveals a significant gap in academic preparedness amongst a large proportion of the candidates. While several factors could contribute to this outcome, including the quality of pre-university education and individual student circumstances, the prevalence of examination malpractice undoubtedly plays a role in distorting the true reflection of students’ abilities.
The JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has highlighted the emergence of new methods of examination fraud, signaling a concerning trend in the sophistication and organization of these activities. The use of combined thumbprints at registration points, involving both the candidate and the impersonator, demonstrates a deliberate attempt to bypass biometric security measures. This emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and adaptation of security protocols to counter evolving malpractice techniques. The ongoing police investigation into the 80 suspects is a crucial step in holding those responsible accountable and deterring future instances of fraud.
The fight against examination malpractice requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening security measures at CBT centers, enhancing biometric verification systems, and increasing vigilance during both the registration and examination processes are crucial steps. Furthermore, addressing the underlying factors that contribute to malpractice, such as inadequate access to quality education and the pressure to gain admission into tertiary institutions, is essential. Promoting a culture of academic integrity and ethical conduct amongst students is equally important in fostering a fair and transparent examination environment. The collective efforts of educational institutions, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and students themselves are necessary to combat this pervasive issue and ensure the credibility of the UTME and the Nigerian education system as a whole.
