From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recommended disciplinary actions against 11 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and several candidates over biometric irregularities uncovered during the registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting with the affected centres and candidates. He said the proposed sanctions aim to uphold the integrity of the Board’s examination process and are pending the approval of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa.
“Any registrant found to have registered more than 50 candidates with biometric infractions will be banned from all activities of the Board, including registration and sitting for the UTME,” Oloyede said.
“Such individuals will also be barred from participating in WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB examinations for three years. After the suspension period, their cases will be reviewed, and if they show genuine remorse, the sanctions may be lifted.”
For registrants involved in fewer than 50 biometric infractions, the Board recommended a formal warning, a written apology, and an undertaking to desist from future violations.
In the case of implicated CBT centres, Oloyede said the operators would be required to sign a bond of ethical compliance and must submit proof of staff training on ethical standards.
The training, he said, must be conducted and certified by a federal university in their locality. JAMB will only resume engagement with these centres upon receipt of such certification.
He warned that excuses from defaulting centres would no longer be tolerated, adding that those affiliated with federal government institutions would be reported to the appropriate authorities for disciplinary action.
During the meeting, most of the affected registrants and centre operators admitted their roles in the biometric infractions.
While some cited ignorance, others blamed pressure to meet registration targets.
Also present at the meeting was former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who noted that the fraudulent actions were criminal and could warrant prosecution and possible jail terms.
However, he appealed to JAMB to show leniency by allowing the culprits to sign undertakings against future misconduct.
Representing Jicoras CBT Centre, Bashir Gumel said the centre had launched an internal investigation and would submit its findings to JAMB.
He added that the centre, located in a remote area with limited facilities, participated in UTME registration for the first time and was unaware of the infractions.
He assured the Board that such breaches would not reoccur.
The affected CBT centres are Misau Emirate ICT Centre in Misau, Bauchi State; Ijaw National Academy in Kiama, Bayelsa State; Directorate of ICT at the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Gombe State; Emerald IT Academy Limited in Benin City, Edo State and Tigh Technologies located at Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja.
Others are Jicoras CBT Centre in Babura, Jigawa State; Huntsville Technology Limited in Anthony, Lagos State; Jolas College CBT Centre in Obalende, Lagos; Abdul Ocean Weath CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State; the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Wase, Plateau State; and the Consulate Salle D’Examen CBT Centre near Navy Barracks, Agip Estate, Rivers State.
Oloyede reaffirmed JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice and vowed to enforce compliance in line with the Board’s mandate.
