JAMB Proposes Harsh Penalties for 11 CBT Centres Over 2025 UTME Infractions

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JAMB Proposes Harsh Penalties for 11 CBT Centres Over 2025 UTME Infractions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recommended severe penalties for 11 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres implicated in examination malpractices during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The announcement, made by JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, underscores the board’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the proposed sanctions also target CBT registrants involved in fingerprint irregularities during UTME registration. Oloyede emphasized that the penalties, pending approval from the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aim to deter future infractions. “We’re taking a firm stand to protect the credibility of our examinations,” he stated.

The recommended measures include a three-year ban for registrants who processed over 50 candidates with infractions, barring them from participating in JAMB activities, including UTME registration as students, or any related exams like WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. After the suspension, JAMB may reconsider the ban if the registrant shows remorse. For those handling fewer than 50 candidates, a warning, a letter of apology, and a signed bond promising no further violations will suffice.

All implicated CBT centres face warnings and must sign a bond, alongside providing proof of staff training conducted by a nearby federal university’s relevant department. “No centre will engage with JAMB until they present a certificate from a federal institution confirming their workers’ ethical training,” Oloyede declared. For government-owned centres, reports of misconduct will be escalated to their supervising authorities.

The meeting revealed emotional confessions from some registrants and CBT operators, who cited ignorance or pressure to boost registration numbers as reasons for their actions. Many pleaded for leniency, with some breaking down in tears. Former Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, a stakeholder present, acknowledged that the infractions could warrant prosecution but urged JAMB to consider forgiveness, provided the offenders sign undertakings to avoid future violations.

Bashir Gumel, an official from Jicoras CBT Centre in Jigawa State, told journalists that his centre has launched an internal investigation. “Our registrants confessed to their actions. To uphold our integrity, they will face consequences, and we’ll share the outcome with JAMB,” he said.

The affected centres include Misau Emirate ICT Centre (Bauchi), Ijaw National Academy (Bayelsa), Directorate of ICT Nigerian Army University (Gombe), Emerald IT Academy Limited (Edo), Tigh Technologies at Sascon International School (Abuja), Jicoras CBT Centre (Jigawa), Huntsville Technology Limited (Lagos), Jolas College CBT Centre (Lagos), Abdul Ocean Wealth CBT Centre (Oyo), National Open University of Nigeria (Plateau), and Consulate Salle D’Examen CBT Centre (Rivers).

This crackdown follows ongoing efforts to curb examination malpractice, a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s education system. JAMB’s decisive action signals a zero-tolerance stance, aiming to restore trust in the UTME process as thousands of students vie for tertiary admission annually.

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