UNILAG Post-UTME Faces Backlash Over AI Screening Glitch
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is facing significant public backlash following reports of extensive issues during its Post-UTME screening tests for the 2025/2026 academic year. Numerous candidates have taken to social media to voice their frustrations after receiving emails that mistakenly accused them of examination misconduct.
One widely shared post highlighted the experience of a candidate who achieved a score of 350 in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam but was flagged by UNILAG’s AI detection system for suspected cheating during the Post-UTME. Supporters of the candidate have denounced the situation as “rubbish” and an affront to students who have labored diligently to attain high scores.
Concerns regarding flawed AI-driven monitoring are not unprecedented. Similar grievances have surrounded the Post-UTME processes at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the University of Ibadan (UI). Critics contend that Nigerian universities are adopting digital solutions without sufficiently addressing the potential risks of systemic errors, consequently punishing innocent students for technical malfunctions.
The primary concern revolves around how AI alerts are interpreted. According to university regulations, candidates flagged during the exam receive automated emails informing them of possible irregularities. However, the phrasing of these messages has sparked outrage. Instead of indicating that the flagged cases are “under review,” the emails allegedly declared some students “ineligible for admission.”
Parents, guardians, and educational analysts contend that such language is misleading and harmful, particularly for individuals who may not have done anything wrong. “The statement ought to have specified that the video evidence is being assessed and that final decisions would be shared later,” remarked one observer.
For numerous students, the allegations are profoundly upsetting. “Na wa o,” expressed one exasperated candidate, bemoaning how his 350 JAMB score had been diminished by what he referred to as a “faulty AI detection system.” He further commented that errors during exams had become commonplace in Nigerian institutions, and instead of enhancing the systems, universities were hindering the very students they were supposed to evaluate justly.
Education experts have pointed out that the flagging system can be activated by harmless incidents such as background noise, momentary internet interruptions, inadequate lighting, or poor camera angles. Often, students are powerless to influence these elements. Nevertheless, the AI-driven system frequently misinterprets such incidents as indicators of dishonest behavior.
An unnamed official from UNILAG, however, sought to clarify matters. “A flag simply indicates a potential issue, not a definitive conclusion,” the official elaborated. “The university conducts a thorough examination of the video footage for each flagged candidate. Students cleared of any misconduct will have their results processed as usual. Results are only withheld when a clear violation is confirmed.”
Despite these reassurances, students argue that the communication strategy has exacerbated the problem. One candidate, Loveth, shared her experience of nearly fainting upon receiving the email. “I received this identical message last night and began to tremble. Like, how?!!! I almost couldn’t breathe,” she explained, conveying the distress the message induced.
Indeed, many students believe that UNILAG and other universities owe them increased transparency. There is a growing call for institutions to make the video evidence of alleged misconduct available to students so they can verify the accusations. They argue that this would mitigate the potential for unjust penalties and help restore trust in the process.
A widely circulated image shared by a Post-UTME candidate just days before the exams highlighted the strict monitoring protocols in place. The guidelines specified that any movement, vocalizing questions, or even the slightest use of calculators or phones would be considered malpractice. Students argue that such intense surveillance fosters anxiety and tension, which may lead to unintentional actions that could be misinterpreted by the AI system.
Some commentators have cautioned against this, reminding the public that technical errors can occur in any digital platform. Nevertheless, they emphasize that Nigerian universities need to enhance their technologies before implementing them on a large scale. “Technical errors should not become an accepted norm,” remarked one social media user, criticizing the nonchalant attitude with which institutions seem to overlook student worries.
This debate has also sparked wider inquiries about Nigeria’s preparedness for comprehensive digital examinations. While the introduction of AI and online assessments is intended to enhance efficiency and reduce malpractice, experts argue that inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, and a lack of human oversight render such systems prone to mistakes.
Currently, UNILAG asserts that any cases marked for review are being analyzed thoroughly and only those determined to be culpable will face repercussions. However, the backlash indicates that the university needs to take further steps to enhance its reputation and reassure candidates. With education acting as a vital pathway to opportunities, various stakeholders argue that no student should suffer as a result of an error made by a machine.
The Nigeria Education News will keep a close eye on the situation as the review process progresses and as universities nationwide navigate the balance between technology, equity, and the well-being of students.
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