KEY POINT

• 2025 UTME malpractice involves biometric fraud and impersonation.

• Anambra and Lagos recorded the highest number of exam offenders.

• JAMB uncovers blind candidate hiring another blind person to cheat.

Of the 80 suspects being questioned by police, Anambra and Lagos states are at the top of the list, according to data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

Police quiz 80 suspects in 2025 UTME malpractice case

Due to their alleged involvement in massive misconduct during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination across multiple states, police are currently questioning the accused.

At a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede disclosed that this year saw the emergence of new exam fraud techniques.

According to him, they include impersonation, double registration, and biometric manipulation, which are frequently carried out with the assistance of some compromised CBT facilities.

Oloyede went on to say that in order to get around identity verification mechanisms intended to stop this kind of fraud, candidates and impersonators utilized mixed thumbprints during registration.

During the registration and exam sessions, Anambra had 14 suspects who were detained for 13 counts of impersonation and one image mismatch.

Nine arrests in Lagos were made in connection with espionage, unlawful cell phone possession, and impersonation during the UTME.

Kano recorded seven suspects for impersonation and unlawful phone possession, while Delta State recorded eight suspects, all of whom were arrested for impersonation.

Rivers added more offenses involving calculators to Kaduna’s six suspects for impersonation and phone possession.

Over 1.5 million scored below average in 2025 UTME

During the statewide exam activity, Ebonyi and Enugu each recorded five suspects, all of whom were arrested for impersonating.

Oloyede also said that a blind candidate had recruited a blind man to take the 2025 UTME in his place.

Oloyede claims that the impostor is presently enrolled as an undergraduate at a university in Nigeria.

According to Punch, the 2025 UTME results were made public by JAMB on Friday following the completion of investigations and the compilation of performance data.

Prior to the announcement, JAMB reported that more over 1.5 million of the 1.9 million applicants received exam scores below 200.

Candidates receive more than 400 marks on the UTME, which includes three more pertinent courses and the mandatory use of English.