Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s examination body, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has summoned 94 candidates and multiple tertiary institutions over alleged irregularities linked to the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the use of fake Direct Entry certificates, in a sweeping enforcement move that underscores growing concerns about systemic fraud in the country’s admission process.
The board disclosed that the affected candidates were identified through an internal review of registration data and institutional submissions, which revealed patterns of malpractice ranging from illicit assistance during the registration process to the presentation of unverifiable academic credentials. The candidates have been directed to appear before a virtual investigative panel scheduled for March 18, 2026, where they are expected to respond to allegations and provide supporting documentation.
According to the board, the infractions span two major categories. The first involves candidates accused of paying for or soliciting illegal assistance during the UTME registration process, often through organised syndicates that promise undue advantage. The second category involves Direct Entry applicants whose certificates have been flagged as fake or unverifiable by the institutions they claimed to have attended.
The development is part of a broader effort by the board to address persistent challenges undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system. Officials revealed that details of the affected candidates, including their registration numbers, have been published through official channels, while access credentials for the virtual hearing have been sent directly to the individuals involved. Failure to attend the session, the board warned, would be treated as an admission of guilt, potentially triggering immediate sanctions.
In a parallel development, heads of institutions implicated in the certificate verification discrepancies have also been summoned to a separate virtual meeting. Authorities confirmed that dozens of institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, are under scrutiny for failing to properly verify the credentials of Direct Entry applicants or for delays in responding to verification requests. Available data indicates that thousands of Direct Entry results remain under review due to unresolved clearance issues.
The Registrar of the board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has repeatedly warned that the integrity of the examination and admission system is under sustained threat from organised fraud networks, some of which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Recent investigations uncovered syndicates deploying advanced digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to impersonate officials and manipulate registration processes, with over 100 candidates reportedly linked to such schemes nationwide.
Authorities also revealed that internal compromise within the system has compounded the problem. Several staff members have been implicated in selling unauthorised access to the board’s registration portal, enabling candidates to bypass established procedures. Disciplinary measures, including dismissal and prosecution, are already underway against those found culpable, while law enforcement agencies have been engaged to support ongoing investigations.
Education analysts note that the Direct Entry pathway has become particularly vulnerable to abuse due to the increasing demand for university admission and the relative flexibility of the route. Candidates seeking to avoid the highly competitive UTME often resort to presenting forged diplomas, A-level certificates, or foreign qualifications, creating a verification burden for both institutions and regulators.
The board has responded by strengthening its Central Admissions Processing System, a digital platform designed to ensure transparency and accountability in admissions. Through this system, institutions are required to upload and verify candidate records, allowing regulators to detect anomalies in real time. Officials say the system has played a critical role in uncovering the current wave of irregularities.
JAMB has also reiterated that providing false information during registration constitutes a serious offence under Nigerian law. Offenders risk penalties including withdrawal of admission, blacklisting from future examinations, and possible prosecution by anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies. In some cases, candidates may be barred from participating in the examination process for up to three years, while their names could be published and shared with other examination bodies.
Beyond enforcement, the board has expressed concern about the role of parents and guardians in enabling malpractice. Officials argue that the pressure to secure university admission has led some families to patronise fraudulent networks, thereby perpetuating a cycle of academic dishonesty. The registrar has warned that such actions ultimately undermine merit and jeopardise the future of the candidates involved.
Stakeholders across the education sector have welcomed the crackdown, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring confidence in Nigeria’s admission system. However, some experts have called for broader reforms, including improved public awareness, stricter institutional accountability, and enhanced verification frameworks to address the root causes of examination fraud.
As the investigative panels prepare to hear from the affected candidates and institutions, the outcome of the process is expected to have far-reaching implications. The case is widely seen as a defining moment in the ongoing effort to enforce transparency, uphold academic standards, and ensure that admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions remains based on merit and verified qualifications.
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