Anambra, Lagos top list as JAMB identifies 80 suspects in 2025 UTME malpractice probe
Data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that Anambra and Lagos States account for the highest number of suspects among 80 individuals currently being investigated for involvement in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) malpractices.
Speaking at a press briefing held at JAMB headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the board uncovered new, sophisticated forms of examination fraud during both the registration and examination phases.
Among the tactics detected were identity and biometric manipulation, including the use of combined thumbprints by candidates and impersonators during registration — acts often carried out in collusion with some CBT centres. Other methods included double registration and attempted substitution by candidates.
According to JAMB’s data, Anambra State topped the list with 14 suspects—13 arrested for impersonation and one for a photo mismatch. Lagos followed with nine suspects linked to impersonation, spying, and illegal possession of mobile phones.
Delta State recorded eight arrests for impersonation, Kano had seven suspects for impersonation and mobile phone possession, while Kaduna had six for similar offences.
In Rivers State, six suspects were arrested for impersonation and the possession of mobile phones and calculators. Ebonyi and Enugu States each recorded five impersonation-related arrests.
In a particularly striking case, Prof. Oloyede disclosed that a blind candidate hired another blind person, an undergraduate, to sit the UTME on his behalf.
The results of the 2025 UTME were officially released to the public on Friday.
Ahead of the release, JAMB provided statistics on the performance of the 1.9 million candidates who participated in the exam. The figures show a staggering outcome as over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200, which is considered the average benchmark.
The UTME, which is scored over a total of 400 marks, tests candidates across four core subjects. While the Use of English is mandatory for all, candidates are allowed to choose three other subjects relevant to their intended course of study.
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