As preparations intensify for the 2025 UTME, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has caught 180 candidates attempting to beat the system before the real exam even begins. The board confirmed that these candidates fell victim to a fake website intentionally set up by JAMB to expose exam cheats.
During a monitoring visit to one of the CBT centres in Bwari, Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that the fake site was designed to lure desperate candidates who were willing to pay for supposed leaked questions. Shockingly, many paid up to N30,000 for access to what they believed would give them an unfair advantage in the exam.
“They have already committed an offence by attempting to cheat. And yes, we are dealing with them squarely. Their UTME and DE results will be cancelled,” the registrar stated.
Over 211,000 candidates participated in the UTME mock exam held across the country on Thursday, April 10, and according to JAMB, results will be released the following day. The mock, as explained by the board, is not just a practice test for candidates, but also a system check to test new procedures, fix any glitches, and evaluate readiness for the main examination.
Prof. Oloyede also raised alarm about a growing trend of cyber-fraudsters posing as helpers, urging candidates not to give out their registration numbers or fall for schools or individuals promising high scores. “UTME is not a school-based exam. Each candidate is registered individually. So don’t give anyone your number or pay anybody to write for you,” he warned.
JAMB stressed that cheating has never been the way to success and advised students to dedicate time to proper preparation instead of looking for shortcuts. The registrar hinted that many so-called “miracle” centres and rogue platforms exist only to scam students, while the board is already a few steps ahead in cracking down on these operations.
With the main UTME scheduled to begin on April 25, JAMB says it is fully prepared to conduct a fair, secure, and technology-driven examination. Candidates are advised to study hard, ignore distractions, and trust the process..
