The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered a case of impersonation involving a blind candidate during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the candidate hired another visually impaired individual, a university student to take the exam on his behalf. The incident occurred during a special examination session organized for blind candidates by the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which ensures inclusive and fair testing for students with disabilities.
Out of the 501 blind candidates who sat for the UTME across 11 designated centres nationwide, only one case of malpractice was reported, this impersonation. Expressing disappointment, Professor Oloyede described the act as “deeply unfortunate,” noting the lengths to which some individuals will go to gain university admission.
“It is disheartening that despite our extensive support for candidates with special needs, someone would resort to cheating,” he said.
Professor Oloyede also emphasized JAMB’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, noting that the board covers registration fees, transportation, accommodation, and meals for blind candidates during the examination period. “We are dedicated to ensuring no student is left behind due to physical limitations,” he added.
He commended the efforts of the JEOG, led by Professor Peter Okebukola, for their tireless work in supporting students with disabilities.
Meanwhile, results for the 2025 UTME have been released, with over 1.9 million candidates receiving their scores. However, JAMB withheld 39,834 results over suspected examination malpractice. More than 40 individuals have so far been identified and implicated in various cheating schemes.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder that integrity remains essential, regardless of circumstances. JAMB continues to uphold strict measures to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s university entrance process.
