JAMB 2025: "Credibility of Nigeria's Education System on the Verge of Collapsing" - JAMB

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that the Nigerian education sector is on the verge of collapsing. This was stated by Mr. Jake Epelle, Chairman of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) Special Committee on Examination Infractions today - Wednesday September 10, 2025, during an interview on Channels Television, as he raised alarm over the growing prevalence of examination fraud, warning that without urgent reforms, the credibility of Nigeria’s education system risks total collapse.

This is coming following the startling revelations from JAMB’s investigations into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The board uncovered 4,251 cases of “finger blending,” a sophisticated form of examination malpractice involving the alteration or combination of fingerprint data to bypass biometric verification systems, allowing unqualified candidates to take exams in place of registered ones. Additionally, 190 instances of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing which enables fraudsters to assume the identities of legitimate candidates, were detected, highlighting the increasing use of advanced technology to perpetrate fraud in high-stakes examinations.

“Exam fraud uncovered by JAMB shows that Nigeria’s education sector is in trouble,” Mr. Epelle declared during the interview. He emphasized that the scale and sophistication of these malpractices pose a significant threat to the integrity of the education system. “If left unchecked, examination malpractice will continue to erode merit, undermine public trust, and destroy the very foundation of Nigeria’s education and human capital development,” he warned.

Mr. Jake Epelle

Mr. Epelle stressed the need for immediate action to address the root causes of examination malpractice, including inadequate supervision, loopholes in technological systems, and societal pressures that prioritize certificates over genuine learning. He called for stricter enforcement of examination regulations, enhanced technological safeguards, and broader reforms to restore meritocracy in the education sector.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that JAMB, being responsible for conducting entrance examinations for tertiary institutions in Nigeria, has been at the forefront of tackling examination fraud. The board has invested in advanced biometric systems and other technologies to curb malpractice, but Epelle acknowledged that fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated. “The criminals are evolving, and we must stay ahead of them,” he said.

He further urged stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and parents, to collaborate in addressing the crisis. He advocated for a holistic approach that includes improving the quality of education, promoting ethical values, and strengthening oversight mechanisms. “We cannot afford to let this problem fester. The future of our youth and our nation depends on a credible and merit-based education system.” he concluded.

Education experts have echoed Mr. Epelle’s concerns, noting that examination malpractice not only undermines the credibility of academic qualifications but also has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s development. “When students cheat to gain admission, they enter institutions unprepared, leading to poor academic performance and unqualified graduates. This cycle ultimately affects the quality of our workforce and national productivity.” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, a lecturer at the University of Lagos.

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