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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Technology

JAMB Arrests Candidates, Parent for AI-Powered UTME Score Forgery

From The Punch · (1d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has arrested two candidates and one parent for allegedly falsifying Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results using Artificial Intelligence and electronic tools.
  • JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin stated that the suspects manipulated official SMS result notifications to deceive others, warning that such actions are serious criminal offenses.
  • The board is pursuing all culpable individuals legally and cautioned candidates against tampering with official result messages, while results for the ongoing 2026 UTME are being released in batches.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken decisive action against individuals attempting to undermine the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through fraudulent means. The recent arrests of two candidates and a parent for falsifying results using advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence highlight a growing concern that JAMB is actively addressing.

Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means.

— Fabian BenjaminJAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin stated the number of suspects apprehended for result manipulation.

JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin emphasized the board's commitment to upholding the examination's credibility. The suspects' alleged manipulation of official SMS result notifications serves as a stark warning to others who might consider similar illicit activities. This proactive stance by JAMB demonstrates its dedication to ensuring a fair and equitable process for all genuine candidates.

Such conduct constituted a serious criminal offence and that the board would pursue all culpable persons to the full extent of the law.

— Fabian BenjaminJAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin warned about the legal consequences of result falsification.

This incident underscores the evolving nature of examination fraud, necessitating constant vigilance and adaptation of security measures. JAMB's resolve to pursue all culpable persons to the full extent of the law sends a clear message: any attempt to compromise the UTME will be met with severe consequences. The board urges candidates to rely on official channels for result verification and to refrain from engaging in any form of malpractice.

Candidates who sat the examination on Thursday may check their scores by sending UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the phone number linked to their registration.

— JAMBJAMB provided instructions for candidates to check their UTME scores.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.