UTME fraud: JAMB prosecutes 110 in five years

Oloyede

Over 40 individuals in the past five years involved in examination malpractice in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination are currently standing trial in various courts across the country, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed.

JAMB also disclosed that more than 70 persons were successfully prosecuted between 2019 and 2024, adding that it secured the convictions of over 10 individuals during the period under review.

Recall that in 2015, JAMB introduced the Computer-Based Test to curb fraudulent practices in the UTME.

Since then, several individuals who attempted to beat the board’s surveillance system have been caught and prosecuted across the country.

In January 2021, JAMB, in its weekly bulletin, announced plans to collaborate with security agencies to prosecute any institution or candidate found in breach of its admissions code of operations.

The board noted that stringent measures, including prosecution, would be applied against erring candidates or institutions once a prima facie case is established.

JAMB stated that the decision followed a management meeting focused on the need to rid the admissions process of unethical practices.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, stated that the board had put measures in place to curb admission infractions.

He noted that although the Central Admissions Processing System had made the admission process more transparent, fair, and equitable, some stakeholders still attempted to circumvent the system.

“The board, with zero tolerance for corrupt acts, will not fold its arms and allow unscrupulous elements to derail its progress.

“To preserve the gains of the CAPS initiative and ensure consequences for those who flout the government’s directive on compliance, the board has concluded arrangements with relevant security agencies.