2025 UTME Scandal: Thousands of Results Withheld as JAMB Uncovers Exam Fraud
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a firm stance against examination malpractice, announcing that it has withheld the results of over 3,000 candidates who participated in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) due to confirmed irregularities.
This development follows the recent rescheduled UTME exercise conducted for candidates who were previously affected by technical failures in some examination centres across Nigeria.
In a press release issued by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board stated that out of the 336,845 candidates scheduled for the makeup exams, 21,082 were absent.
Fraudulent Activities Uncovered
According to the board, a growing number of fraudulent tactics are being used to compromise the integrity of the UTME. Among the most alarming is the “pairing of candidates with professional mercenaries,” where some students deliberately disrupted their seating arrangements in order to swap places with hired impersonators.
JAMB revealed that many of these “mercenaries” are undergraduate students from various universities, highlighting a worrying trend of organized examination fraud.
“These individuals deliberately manipulated exam logistics to gain unfair access to the examination hall,” the statement noted. “Over three thousand candidates nationwide have been identified as accomplices or direct beneficiaries of this elaborate scam.”
What Happens Next?
The board has promised a thorough investigation and has made it clear that results will be withdrawn once all evidence has been verified—even for candidates whose scores were already released.
JAMB’s action sends a strong message about its commitment to upholding the credibility of the UTME and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
Candidates are encouraged to stay informed, follow official JAMB communications, and avoid any form of malpractice or shortcut that could ruin their academic future.
Want updates on your school of choice or tips to avoid common admission pitfalls? Stay tuned to Learn Academia for trusted information.