The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that 21,082 of the 336,845 rescheduled candidates were absent from the exam.
Although specific reasons were not disclosed, JAMB has approved a mop-up examination for the absentees, including those who missed the initial UTME. Despite ongoing investigations, performance trends reportedly remain consistent with previous years.
JAMB raised concerns about widespread examination malpractice involving candidates, school proprietors, and CBT centres. A panel of Chief External Examiners, led by Prof. Olufemi Peters, reviewed and endorsed the resit results, supported by psychometric analysis from Prof. Boniface Nworgu. JAMB also approved the release of results for under-aged candidates and those involved in online malpractice like “WhatsApp Runs,” though under-aged results remain invalid for admission.
CBT centres found complicit in malpractice will be blacklisted and their operators prosecuted, while individuals involved in biometric and identity fraud will also face legal action. The board further criticized unregulated tutorial centres for aiding malpractice and called on the government to regulate such institutions.
Despite the issues, JAMB reiterated its commitment to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) as a tool for reducing malpractice and enhancing digital literacy. The board also plans to partner with management consultants to improve accreditation and registration processes. It warned against politicizing technical problems and commended its leadership for professionally managing the situation.
