The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the arrest of two candidates and a parent over the alleged falsification of results in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), raising fresh concerns about examination malpractice in Nigeria’s admission system.
The development was disclosed on Friday alongside the release of results for 632,788 candidates who sat for the examination on Thursday, April 16.
In a statement issued by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the suspects were said to have been arrested for manipulating official SMS result notifications using artificial intelligence and other electronic tools. The board alleged that the individuals altered or fabricated scores to mislead parents, guardians, and the public.
Benjamin described the act as a serious criminal offence, stressing that JAMB would not tolerate any form of examination malpractice, particularly those involving emerging technologies. He added that the board is working with security agencies to ensure the prosecution of all those involved.
“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement said.
The incident has heightened concerns over the misuse of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to undermine the integrity of public examinations. Education stakeholders have warned that such practices could erode confidence in Nigeria’s already sensitive admission process if not urgently addressed.
JAMB also warned candidates against tampering with result messages sent via its official SMS platforms, reiterating that the only approved channels for checking UTME results are 55019 and 66019.
Candidates who participated in the April 16 examination were advised to send UTMERESULT via SMS to either shortcode using the phone number used during registration.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and credibility in the conduct of the UTME, urging candidates and parents to avoid actions that could lead to prosecution.
