JAMB Recommends Tough Sanctions for 11 CBT Centres, Fingerprint Cheats in UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has proposed stringent penalties for 11 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and numerous registrants implicated in fingerprint irregularities during the registration process for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The recommendations, announced by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, in Abuja, await the approval of the Minister of Education.

The disciplinary measures come after a stakeholders’ meeting where affected CBT centres and individuals were confronted with evidence of their involvement in biometric infractions. Prof. Oloyede emphasized that these actions are crucial to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s examination system.

For registrants found to have processed over 50 candidates with detected biometric irregularities, JAMB has recommended an outright dismissal from participating in any of the Board’s activities. This means such individuals will be barred from registering for or sitting the UTME, as well as sister examinations like WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, for a period of three years. After this suspension, the Board may review their cases if genuine remorse is demonstrated. Registrants with fewer than 50 infractions will receive a warning, be required to write a letter of apology, and sign a bond committing to desist from future violations.

Regarding the implicated CBT centres, all 11 will be issued warnings and mandated to sign a bond of ethical compliance. Furthermore, they must provide proof that their staff have undergone ethical training, which must be conducted and certified by a federal university within their vicinity. JAMB has stated it will not re-engage any of these centres for future UTME activities without this certification. For CBT centres owned by the Federal Government, reports of their infractions will be forwarded to the relevant authorities for disciplinary action.

During the meeting, many affected registrants and some CBT operators reportedly confessed to their involvement in manipulating candidate fingerprints, citing ignorance or pressure to register more candidates. However, stakeholders at the meeting, including former Lagos Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, argued that such actions are criminal and could warrant prosecution and jail terms, even while appealing for leniency from JAMB.

Among the CBT centres identified for sanctions are Misau Emirate ICT Centre in Bauchi State, Ijaw National Academy in Bayelsa State, Directorate of ICT at the Nigerian Army University in Gombe State, and Emerald IT Academy Limited in Edo State, among others across various states.

JAMB’s firm stance reiterates its commitment to ensuring a level playing field and eradicating malpractice in the tertiary institution admission process.