2025 UTME: JAMB Withholds Results of 96 Candidates Over Exam Infractions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that it withheld the results of 96 candidates due to various examination infractions during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This marks a decrease from 123 cases reported in the previous year.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure on Friday during a press conference in Bwari, Abuja, where the board officially released the 2025 UTME results.

He revealed that while the results for 1,911,551 candidates have been released, some remain under investigation, reaffirming JAMB’s resolve to uphold the integrity of its exams and eliminate all forms of malpractice.

According to Prof. Oloyede:

• A total of 2,030,862 candidates registered for the 2025 UTME.

• 1,957,000 candidates were verified to sit the exam.

• 71,705 candidates were absent.

• 39,834 results are currently on hold due to various concerns.

• 1,426 results are under active investigation.

Additionally, 2,157 candidates experienced fingerprint rejections stemming from suspected registration-related infractions—numbers well beyond acceptable margins and currently under scrutiny.

Emerging Trends in Exam Infractions

Prof. Oloyede noted that the 2025 UTME exposed new forms of examination malpractice, particularly in the registration and examination processes. These included:

• Identity fraud

• Biometric fraud, such as combined thumbprints from multiple individuals

• Impersonation during registration, often facilitated by compromised CBT centres

• Double registration

• Attempted candidate substitution

He said 244 candidates were caught engaging in “WhatsApp runs”—a term used for subscribing to rogue online groups promising leaked exam content. Their results have also been withheld as a deterrent to others.

JAMB also identified cases where entire syndicates, in collaboration with CBT centres, exploited the registration process using multiple fingerprints. Consequently, 3,656 candidates were flagged for extraneous fingerprints, and their results have been withheld. The implicated CBT centres include:

• Tigh Technologies Limited

• Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja

• Wudil Computer Information Technology, Wudil, Kano State

• Penta M & Amp Centre 2, Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State

Legal Actions and Investigations

According to the registrar, 80 suspects are currently under police interrogation for their roles in the malpractices, with many likely to face prosecution.

“The presence of extraneous fingerprints in registration records raises red flags for possible impersonation strategies,” Oloyede said.

Underage Candidates and Exceptional Performers

Speaking on age-related eligibility, the registrar confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education’s minimum age policy of 16 years remains in force. However, exceptions were made for exceptionally gifted students. Of the 41,027 underage candidates registered:

• Only 467 met the high-performance benchmark

• One candidate was disqualified for involvement in malpractice

Inclusion and Support for Candidates with Disabilities

Prof. Oloyede reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to inclusive education. In 2025, 501 candidates with disabilities were successfully examined under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) across 11 centres nationwide. However, one result has been withheld due to impersonation.

CBT Centres Sanctioned for Poor Performance

Due to significant technical shortcomings, four CBT centres were delisted and blacklisted. These include:

1. Adventure Associate, Behind Sheshe Supermarket, Kano

2. Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria

3. Soronara Ventures Nigeria Limited, Foundation Road, Umudagu Mbieri, Mbaitoli, Imo State

4. HSS Amazing, Holy Saviour School, Old Ota Road, Itele, Ogun State

Additionally, Prof. Oloyede stated that a full list of centres involved in fraudulent practices will soon be published, along with documentation of their misconduct.

A Resounding Success Despite Challenges

Despite these issues, the registrar described the 2025 UTME as one of the most successful in recent years, citing effective monitoring and innovative safeguards. He emphasized JAMB’s zero-tolerance policy on malpractice and reiterated the board’s unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of public examinations.