UTME: JAMB launches decoy websites, identifies 180 candidates who paid N30,000 for leaked exam items

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during a press briefing in Bwari, Abuja, following a monitoring visit to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre.

The board created fake websites that mimic those operated by fraudsters.

These sites were intended to divert and identify candidates attempting to cheat their way through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry admission process.

“JAMB has identified no fewer than 180 candidates who have paid amounts ranging from N30,000 and above to these fraudulent sites in exchange for non-existent services, such as “leaked examination items” and score augmentation.

“These sites are traps designed to reduce the growing incidence of fraud and corruption among the nation’s youth,” Prof. Oloyede said.

According to the Registrar, candidates found guilty of engaging with these decoy platforms will be sanctioned in accordance with existing rules on examination malpractice.

“These candidates will face sanctions that may include the cancellation of their UTME and Direct Entry results, as well as potential legal prosecution,” Prof. Oloyede said.

“The mock exercise allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of newly introduced measures aimed at improving examination conduct and security. 

“Each year, as we implement new strategies to combat examination malpractice, fraudsters also adapt their tactics. Therefore, we must consistently stay one step ahead,” they said

Prof. Oloyede reminded schools and the general public that the UTME is not a school-based examination and warned against placing undue pressure on students to achieve high scores by any means.

“Educational institutions must abandon the pursuit of ‘high-score glory’ and encourage students to focus on their studies,” he said.

Candidates have been cautioned to steer clear of platforms offering unrealistic promises of success, as the Board has vowed to take strict action against anyone involved in or supporting examination malpractice.