JAMB is cracking down on biometric fraud, proposing a three-year ban for fingerprint offenders.
Eleven CBT centers face sanctions, with mandatory ethics training and stricter oversight ahead.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has proposed strong disciplinary measures against 11 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers and several individuals involved in fingerprint infractions during the registration process for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Following a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that candidates responsible for registering over 50 students using fraudulent biometric practices may be barred from participating in all JAMB-related activities for three years. This includes exclusion from UTME registration and sister exams such as WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB.
According to Oloyede, the sanctions aim to protect the integrity of the examination process. “Anyone who registers over 50 candidates with fingerprint irregularities will be suspended from all JAMB-related activities, including registration and participation in any exams, for three years,” he stated.
For those involved with fewer than 50 candidates, JAMB is recommending a formal warning, written apology, and a signed bond to prevent repeat offences. However, Oloyede noted that the proposed three-year ban may be reviewed if offenders demonstrate genuine remorse over time.
The affected CBT centers are not left out. JAMB has ordered that all implicated centers undergo mandatory ethics training, to be conducted and verified by the nearest federal university. This training must be completed before they can resume any operations with JAMB.
“Each center will need to provide a certificate from a nearby federal institution confirming that their staff have completed training in ethical conduct,” said JAMB’s public communication adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin. He added that all implicated centers would sign bonds and submit proof of ethical compliance before being re-engaged.
The Board stressed that government-owned centers found guilty would also be reported to the appropriate regulatory bodies for further action.
Among the affected centers summoned for the meeting were:
- Misau Emirate ICT Centre, Bauchi
- Ijaw National Academy, Bayelsa
- Directorate of ICT, Nigerian Army University, Biu
- Emerald IT Academy, Edo
- Tigh Technologies, Abuja
- Jicoras CBT Centre, Jigawa
- Huntsville Technology, Lagos
- Jolas College CBT Centre, Lagos
- Abdul Ocean Wealth CBT Centre, Oyo
- NOUN CBT Centre, Plateau
- Consulate Salle D’Examen CBT Centre, Rivers
During the session, several accused registrants admitted their roles in the malpractice, citing ignorance or a desire to increase registrations. Some broke down in tears and pleaded for forgiveness.
Fatai Owoseni, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, commented that such actions could have legal implications but encouraged the Board to consider rehabilitation for those who show accountability and commit to reform.
Bashir Gumel of Jicoras CBT Centre in Jigawa also addressed the meeting, promising internal disciplinary actions and pledging full cooperation with JAMB. “This act will not go unpunished,” he said, “and we assure JAMB that it will never happen again.”
JAMB emphasized that these measures are necessary to uphold the credibility of Nigeria’s examination and admissions systems. The final decision on the recommendations awaits approval from the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.
