JAMB Exposes 6,000 AI & Biometric Exam Malpractices

A Special Committee on Examination Infractions, established by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has identified over 6,000 instances of technology-facilitated cheating in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Dr. Jake Epelle, the chairman of the committee, shared the findings while presenting its report in Abuja on Monday.

Epelle disclosed that 1,878 candidates falsely claimed to be albinos, while others were involved in biometric fraud and digital identity manipulation during the exam.

The committee also documented multiple cases of counterfeit National Identification Numbers, forged credentials, and fraud schemes supported by syndicates.

He noted that examination malpractice has evolved into “a highly organized, technology-driven, and culturally sanctioned enterprise.”

He provided a detailed account of the infractions, stating, “We recorded 4,251 incidents of ‘finger blending,’ 190 cases of AI-assisted image morphing, 1,878 false claims of albinism, and numerous instances of credential forgery, multiple NIN registrations, and solicitation schemes. This fraud does not stem from candidates alone—it is bolstered by syndicates that involve some CBT centers, educational institutions, parents, tutoring services, and technical accomplices.”

The committee also cautioned that current legal frameworks are insufficient to tackle the increasing threat of biometric and digital fraud, emphasizing that public confidence in the examination system is already diminishing.

In its recommendations, the panel urged JAMB to “implement AI-driven biometric anomaly detection, dual verification systems, and real-time monitoring and establish a National Examination Security Operations Centre.”

Additionally, it recommended that the board “void the results of confirmed fraudulent candidates, impose bans ranging from 1 to 3 years, prosecute both candidates and their accomplices, and create a Central Sanctions Registry available to institutions and employers.”

The report further suggested that JAMB “enhance mobile-first self-service platforms, digitize correction processes, improve disability verification, and prohibit bulk registrations led by schools.”

It also called for legal reforms, recommending changes to the JAMB Act and the Examination Malpractice Act “to acknowledge biometric and digital fraud and to establish a Legal Unit within JAMB.”

JAMB launched the Special Committee on August 18 with the task of investigating, reviewing, and suggesting strategies to mitigate the growing trend of technology-enabled examination malpractice.