JAMB Uncovers AI-Driven Exam Fraud Syndicate Across 25 States

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered what it described as a “grave and disturbing” network of examination fraud involving candidates, parents, school proprietors and criminal syndicates deploying artificial intelligence to compromise the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

At a press briefing on Saturday, the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, warned that registrations of candidates linked to the scheme may be cancelled, stressing that ignorance would no longer be accepted as a defence.

Oloyede disclosed that Nigeria’s university entrance examination, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), is currently under what he termed a coordinated attack by criminal syndicates using artificial intelligence tools to perpetrate impersonation and digital fraud.

According to the Registrar, the syndicates have been using AI to impersonate JAMB officials and circulate digitally fabricated images, including manipulated photographs showing suspects posing with the Minister of Education and the Registrar himself, to deceive unsuspecting candidates.

He described the development as a dangerous evolution of examination malpractice, warning that the Board would pursue all offenders, regardless of status.

JAMB revealed that more than 100 candidates allegedly paid for illegal assistance in the examination, with at least 83 payments already traced.

The Board stated that the fraudulent activities cut across 25 states, underscoring the national spread of the syndicate.

In Lagos State, 15 candidates were found to have registered under suspicious circumstances, although only one was of Lagos origin. In Oyo State, four candidates registered locally, while five indigenes were discovered to have registered in other states.

Officials stressed that the pattern showed the operation was not regional but nationwide in scope.

Investigations further uncovered the involvement of proprietors of tutorial and remedial centres, who allegedly transported candidates across state lines to facilitate examination malpractice.

JAMB confirmed that at least three school owners are currently in custody as security agencies intensify investigations.

The Board has recommended the cancellation of registration of candidates who paid for illegal assistance. Oloyede also warned that membership in WhatsApp groups offering so-called “expo” services would now be treated as criminal participation.

He reiterated JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice, warning that the integrity of the UTME would be protected through strict enforcement measures and collaboration with security agencies.