UTME records minimal disruptions nationwide as JAMB warns against exam fraud

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Ishaq Oloyede, says the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has recorded only minimal disruptions across the country.

Speaking during a monitoring visit to a CBT centre at the University of Ibadan on Saturday, Oloyede described the exercise as largely successful despite isolated challenges.

According to him, out of about 980 examination centres nationwide, only around 16 experienced issues, mainly linked to power supply and minor technical faults.

“Like any human activity, there will be challenges, but they have been minimal,” he said, adding that the board had successfully examined over 1.7 million candidates within three days.

He commended the overall conduct of the exams, describing it as “superb,” and praised the role of stakeholders, including vice-chancellors, rectors, and other academic officials serving as supervisors.

Early arrival, misinformation, and exam myths

Addressing concerns about early arrival times, Oloyede clarified that exams do not begin at 6:30 a.m., but candidates are required to arrive early for accreditation processes.

He noted that the board recently adjusted the official start time from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. following feedback, although this has led to longer waiting periods at some centres.

On viral reports linking kidnappings to UTME candidates, the registrar cautioned against spreading unverified information, warning that misinformation could complicate security efforts.

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“It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped, but linking them directly to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts,” he said.

Crackdown on ‘exam runs’ and score manipulation

Oloyede also warned candidates and parents against engaging with fraudsters offering so-called “exam runs” or score upgrades, stressing that the board has systems in place to detect malpractice.

He revealed that several suspects are already being prosecuted, including a case where an individual allegedly continued defrauding parents while in custody.

“We have our own mechanisms to detect such fraud. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” he said.

The registrar urged the public to report suspicious platforms, especially on social media, while reaffirming the board’s commitment to maintaining the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s admission process.