JAMB Withholds Results of Over 39,000 Candidates in 2025 UTME Over Malpractice Concerns

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the withholding of results for 39,834 candidates who participated in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), citing various infractions, primarily suspected examination malpractices. This development, detailed in JAMB’s latest reports and corroborated by multiple sources, underscores the board’s ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of its examination processes. The withheld results include 96 cases confirmed for malpractice, a reduction from 123 in 2024, and 1,426 results still under investigation. Additionally, 3,656 candidates face withheld results due to issues related to “extraneous fingerprints,” pointing to potential biometric fraud or impersonation.

Examination Malpractices and Systemic Vulnerabilities

JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, highlighted the board’s zero-tolerance stance on examination misconduct during a press briefing. The infractions identified in the 2025 UTME range from identity fraud and double registration to collusion with certain Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. A notable case involved 244 candidates caught engaging in “WhatsApp runs,” a scheme where leaked questions were shared via messaging platforms. Anambra State recorded the highest number of malpractice suspects, with 14 candidates implicated, while 80 individuals nationwide are currently under police investigation, with most facing prosecution.

The board also uncovered systemic vulnerabilities exploited by candidates and some CBT centres. For instance, technical failures at four CBT centres led to their delisting, while others, including Tigh Technologies Limited in Abuja, De-Law CBT Centre in Kano, and two centres in Sokoto (Sokoto South and Sokoto North), face sanctions for their roles in facilitating malpractices. JAMB has vowed to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms to prevent such breaches in future examinations.

Biometric Fraud and “Extraneous Fingerprints”

A significant portion of the withheld results—3,656 cases—stems from issues related to “extraneous fingerprints.” This term refers to discrepancies in candidates’ biometric data, often indicating impersonation or other forms of identity fraud. JAMB’s advanced biometric verification system, designed to ensure that only registered candidates sit for the exam, flagged these cases during post-examination analysis. The board has emphasized that such measures are critical to maintaining fairness and credibility in the UTME, which serves as a gateway to tertiary education in Nigeria.

Impact on Candidates and Next Steps

The withholding of results has left thousands of candidates in limbo, awaiting further investigation or resolution. JAMB has advised affected candidates to remain patient while the board concludes its probes. For those whose results have been cleared, JAMB has provided a straightforward process to access their scores. Candidates can check their results by sending the text “UTMERESULT” to either 55019 or 66019 using the phone number registered with JAMB. The board has also clarified that printing of result slips will be available at a later date, urging candidates to rely on the SMS-based result-checking system for now.

JAMB’s Broader Efforts to Curb Malpractice

The 2025 UTME saw JAMB intensify its crackdown on examination malpractice, building on lessons from previous years. The reduction in confirmed malpractice cases (from 123 in 2024 to 96 in 2025) suggests some progress in deterring misconduct, but the high number of withheld results indicates that challenges persist. JAMB has invested heavily in technology, including CCTV surveillance at CBT centres and real-time monitoring systems, to detect and prevent infractions. The board has also collaborated with law enforcement agencies to ensure swift prosecution of offenders, sending a strong message to would-be violators.

In addition to technical measures, JAMB has called for greater accountability among CBT centre operators. The delisting of four centres and sanctions on others reflect the board’s commitment to holding all stakeholders accountable. Prof. Oloyede emphasized that CBT centres found complicit in malpractices risk permanent blacklisting, a move intended to deter collusion between centre operators and candidates.

Public Reaction and Context

The withholding of over 39,000 results has sparked varied reactions among stakeholders. While some commend JAMB’s rigorous approach to maintaining examination integrity, others have raised concerns about the impact on innocent candidates who may be caught in the crosshairs of investigations. Education analysts have urged JAMB to expedite its review process to minimize disruptions for affected candidates, particularly those seeking admission in the 2025/2026 academic session.

The UTME, conducted annually, is a high-stakes examination that determines admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. With over 1.5 million candidates typically registering each year, the scale of the exercise makes it a target for fraudulent activities. JAMB’s efforts to combat malpractice are thus seen as critical to ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.

Looking Ahead

As JAMB continues to refine its processes, the board has pledged to release the withheld results of innocent candidates as soon as investigations are concluded. The board also plans to introduce additional safeguards in the 2026 UTME to further reduce incidents of malpractice. For now, candidates are encouraged to adhere to JAMB’s guidelines and avoid engaging in activities that could jeopardize their results.

The 2025 UTME saga serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in administering large-scale examinations in a digital age. While JAMB’s proactive measures have yielded some successes, the board’s ability to balance enforcement with fairness will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring equitable access to tertiary education in Nigeria.

For further updates, candidates can visit JAMB’s official website or contact the board’s support channels. Those awaiting their results are advised to monitor their registered phone numbers for notifications from JAMB regarding the status of their investigations.