In a sweeping move to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has arrested 27 individuals for impersonation and delisted four underperforming Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
This was disclosed in an official statement released on Friday by JAMB’s Spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja.
The arrests, made during the ongoing 2025 UTME, followed targeted surveillance and intelligence-led operations. The suspects were apprehended while attempting to sit for the examination on behalf of registered candidates — a serious offense under the Board’s zero-tolerance policy on malpractice.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption in the examination process and warned that all perpetrators — candidates, impostors, and their collaborators — will face the full weight of the law.
In a separate incident, the Board responded swiftly to reports of unauthorized restrictions placed on candidates wearing hijabs at Caleb University. Dr. Benjamin confirmed that the matter was promptly addressed and resolved in collaboration with the institution’s management.
“We deeply regret the discomfort experienced by the affected candidates,” the Board said, adding that an “overzealous security officer” was responsible for the incident. The Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University has since condemned the act, assuring that such lapses will not recur.
As part of a wider anti-malpractice initiative, JAMB recently launched a series of sophisticated decoy websites. These platforms, mimicking fraudulent websites used by exam cheats, successfully exposed over 180 candidates who had paid from N30,000 upwards for fake questions and result upgrades.
“This operation underscores the Board’s readiness to stay a step ahead of exam cheats,” Dr. Benjamin emphasized.
Four CBT Centres Blacklisted for Technical Failures
Further demonstrating its uncompromising stance on quality, JAMB has delisted four CBT centres for failing to meet the Board’s rigorous technical standards. Affected candidates are advised to immediately reprint their examination notification slips to avoid disruptions.
Delisted centres include:
Adventure Associate, Behind Sheshe Supermarket, Off Hadejia Road, Kano, Kano State
Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria Road, Naibawa, Kano, Kano State
Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 1 & Centre 2, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal
Dr. Benjamin warned, “There will be no tolerance for centres that compromise on ethics or technical excellence, irrespective of ownership or location.”
He commended the 883 CBT centres nationwide that have so far demonstrated exceptional standards and professionalism.
As of April 25, 2025, over 900,000 candidates have successfully completed their UTME out of the 2,083,600 registered for the examination.
JAMB reaffirmed its dedication to delivering a fair, secure, and transparent examination process and urged candidates to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the testing period.
