The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated criminal syndicate accused of deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools to manipulate the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration process.
The revelation was made by the Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, during a media briefing in Abuja, where he described the operation as a coordinated attempt to undermine merit and transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system.
According to the Board, investigations revealed that the syndicate used AI-driven techniques to impersonate JAMB officials, bypass security checks, and illegally facilitate registration for candidates who were either ineligible or attempting to gain unfair advantage. Over 100 candidates across more than 25 states were reportedly linked to the scheme, with many allegedly paying for the fraudulent services.
JAMB further disclosed that some parents and guardians were complicit in the operation, while a number of accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres are under investigation for possible collaboration. Several centres implicated in the fraud have already been suspended.
As part of decisive enforcement actions, suspects have been arrested and will be handed over to security agencies for prosecution. The Board also confirmed that the registrations of candidates who benefited from the illegal scheme are being reviewed for cancellation, subject to approval by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Additionally, JAMB has recommended disciplinary action against some of its officials found wanting, stressing that internal accountability remains critical to safeguarding the integrity of the examination body.
Oloyede warned candidates and the general public against patronising unauthorised agents or online groups promising shortcuts, emphasising that such actions constitute criminal offences with serious consequences.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to deploying advanced security systems to stay ahead of emerging technological threats, insisting that merit, fairness, and credibility will continue to define the UTME process in Nigeria.