A special task force established by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered that parents are responsible for 80% of cheating incidents during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), urging comprehensive measures to restore integrity in Nigeria’s examination system.
The investigative panel, led by Dr Jake Epelle, convened for three weeks following concerns over a surge in malpractices disrupting the 2025 UTME. The group was charged with assessing current examination procedures, exposing loopholes, and recommending ways to strengthen the system.
Dr Epelle disclosed on Channels Television that parents, in collaboration with tutorial centres, certain schools, and even faith-based organisations, are heavily involved in promoting cheating. According to the report, deceitful acts ranged from fingerprint tampering to AI-assisted impersonation, with over 4,251 cases of fingerprint manipulation recorded. Other violations included 192 instances where AI was used to forge identities and nearly 1,900 false disability claims using altered photos.
He described the investigation as a moral obligation and a fight to salvage meritocracy in Nigeria’s education sector.
Despite exposing these widespread infractions, Dr Epelle praised the technological sophistication behind JAMB’s systems, noting they remain among the most advanced in Nigeria. However, he cautioned that persistent conspiracies, fuelled by digital tools, continue to threaten the exam’s credibility.
The committee also stated negligent conduct by some JAMB staff contributing to errors affecting candidates, with disciplinary actions underway. Dr Epelle commended JAMB’s registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for his open leadership style, including publicly apologizing for the mistakes.
Eighty per cent of infractions are caused by parents who want to give marks to their children that they don’t deserve. Parents often attack JAMB publicly, yet secretly sponsor malpractice. Professor Oloyede’s transparent handling of the challenges impressed the team. He didn’t want to interfere with the investigation and only saw the report when it was submitted. His willingness to apologise publicly is rare among public officials…the soul of education is at stake, and it will take collective effort from government, families, and society to rescue it – Dr Epelle
The panel’s recommendations focus on deploying advanced biometric tools, legal reforms, and a nationwide campaign promoting honesty in education. Without swift action, Nigeria risks further erosion of trust in its academic certifications and the long-term development of its human capital.
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