JAMB Cracks Down on Exam Fraud

Centres Delisted, Impersonators NabbedIn a bold move to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s university entrance exams, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has swung into action, delisting five computer-based testing (CBT) centres and arresting 27 impersonators during the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The crackdown, announced on Friday, April 25, 2025, sends a clear message: no one messes with Nigeria’s future scholars and gets away with it.JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, revealed that the delisted centres—located in Kano, Sokoto, and Imo states—failed to meet the board’s strict technical standards. These centres include Adventure Associate, tucked behind Sheshe Supermarket off Hadejia Road in Kano, and Saadatu Rimi College of Education along Zaria Road, also in Kano. Two centres operated by Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., both on the Sokoto-Jega Road in Tambuwal, were also shut down. Rounding out the list is Soronara Ventured Nigeria Limited in Umudagu Mbieri, Imo State. The board didn’t mince words, warning that any centre, no matter who owns it, will face the blacklist if it falls short of ethical or technical expectations.The delisting has thrown a curveball for some candidates, who now need to reprint their examination slips to find their new test centres and rescheduled dates. JAMB has urged these students to act fast, stressing that no excuses will be tolerated for those who fail to update their schedules. It’s a tough stance, but with over 900,000 candidates already having completed the UTME out of the 2,083,600 registered as of April 25, the board is clearly focused on keeping things running smoothly.Meanwhile, JAMB’s fight against exam malpractice hit a high note with the arrest of 27 impersonators caught trying to sneak through the system. These culprits, nabbed across various centres, have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution. The board’s zero-tolerance policy is backed by tight measures like biometric verification and centre monitoring, showing they mean business when it comes to rooting out fraud.The drama didn’t end there. At Caleb University in Lagos, a controversy erupted when an overzealous security officer reportedly barred candidates wearing hijabs from entering the exam hall. JAMB quickly stepped in, resolving the issue after the university’s Vice-Chancellor condemned the officer’s actions. The board apologised to the affected students, promising such incidents won’t happen again.While JAMB praised the 883 centres that have performed exceptionally, the delisting of five others and the arrests highlight the challenges of running a massive exam like the UTME. Technical glitches and malpractice have plagued the process in the past, but JAMB’s proactive steps—coupled with their call for candidates to stay sharp and reprint their slips—show a determination to keep the system fair. For Nigeria’s young dreamers chasing university admission, this crackdown is a reminder: play by the rules, or pay the price.What this means for Nigerians: JAMB is serious about making sure the UTME is fair for everyone. If your exam centre was delisted, check your email or JAMB’s website (www.jamb.gov.ng) to reprint your slip and find your new test location. Don’t wait—do it now to avoid missing your exam. The arrests also show that trying to cheat, like paying someone to write your exam, will land you in serious trouble with the police. Stay honest, and focus on preparing well to secure your future.