The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has once again shown that it is serious about protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s admission process. After reports of widespread malpractice during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), JAMB set up a committee to investigate the matter. That committee has now concluded its probe and officially submitted its report, sparking reactions across the education sector.
For many students and parents, this raises important questions. What really happened during the 2025 UTME? What sanctions will JAMB impose? And most importantly, what does this mean for those preparing for JAMB 2026?
Every year, JAMB introduces new measures to secure the UTME. Yet, some candidates and CBT centres still attempt to beat the system. According to findings, the 2025 malpractice cases included impersonation, collusion with centre staff, the use of unauthorized devices, and manipulation of computer networks.
The probe committee carefully reviewed CCTV footage, server activity logs, biometric records, and candidate details to identify irregularities. Its report did not only highlight the number of malpractice cases but also exposed the new tricks being used to cheat the system.
Although JAMB has not yet released the full details of the report, its history makes the next steps clear. Candidates found guilty of malpractice may face cancellation of results or even bans from writing JAMB in the future. CBT centres indicted in the scandal could lose their accreditation permanently, cutting them off from conducting future exams.
These sanctions are not just punitive; they are meant to send a message. JAMB wants to prove that shortcuts to admission do not work and that malpractice only destroys candidates’ chances of securing admission.
For students planning to sit for JAMB 2026, this probe is more than just news — it is a warning. Surveillance technologies are now tighter than ever, with advanced biometric verification, live CCTV monitoring, and stricter CBT centre supervision. Attempting malpractice in 2026 will not only be risky but almost impossible to escape.
The smarter path is to prepare diligently and avoid distractions. Candidates must focus on effective study habits, practice CBT questions, and use official resources rather than relying on shortcuts. The truth is simple: those who work hard and play by the rules have a higher chance of not just passing JAMB but also excelling in university.
The conclusion of the 2025 JAMB malpractice probe is a reminder to all students that integrity matters as much as intelligence. Thousands of candidates lose their admission dreams every year because of errors or dishonesty. If you are preparing for JAMB 2026, learn from this moment. Do the right thing, stay disciplined, and focus on your books.
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