More than 21,000 candidates failed to show up for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed, even as the examination body battles an alarming wave of high-tech exam malpractice involving AI tools, impersonators and compromised Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The resit, which was conducted for candidates affected by technical issues during the main UTME, recorded a significant absentee figure.
Out of 336,845 candidates slated for the rescheduled test, 21,082 did not appear, according to a statement released on Sunday by JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
While the turnout was underwhelming, JAMB maintained that the performance trend remained within expected margins, comparable to previous years.
“No candidate scored above 217 in the cancelled sessions,” the Board said, debunking claims that some students achieved high scores during the compromised sessions.
It added that 99 percent of the affected candidates scored below 200.
However, the exercise was overshadowed by revelations of widespread examination malpractice involving school owners, parents, and mercenary candidates.
JAMB raised alarm over the growing sophistication of cheating strategies, including AI-powered photo manipulation, biometric fraud, and network hacking.
Some compromised CBT centres allegedly created “strong rooms” to hijack candidates’ computer sessions remotely.
JAMB revealed that over 3,000 candidates were involved in various forms of digital fraud. Several CBT centres have now been blacklisted, and their proprietors face prosecution.
“These acts include impersonation, biometric bypass, and the use of mercenaries,” Benjamin stated. He praised security agencies for aiding in the uncovering of these sophisticated schemes.
In one dramatic case, JAMB exposed a viral claim by one Olisa Gabriel Chukwuemeka, a 100-level Public Health student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, who falsely claimed to have scored 326 in the 2025 UTME.
Investigations revealed he altered his 2024 result of 203 to pose as a top scorer. His actual 2025 result was 180. His result has since been withdrawn, and his social media account deactivated following the exposure.
Meanwhile, results of underage candidates and those involved in dubious “WhatsApp runs” were conditionally released for documentation only. These candidates remain ineligible for admission.
A mop-up exam is being planned to accommodate those with valid reasons for missing both the main exam and the resit.
JAMB also responded to public concerns over the cost of checking results via SMS, clarifying that the 55019/66019 service remains subsidised and safer than using cybercafés, which pose data security risks.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to a credible, technology-driven examination process and called on all stakeholders to join efforts in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
“The future of our education is at risk if we do not unite against this growing wave of digital fraud,” the statement warned.
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