The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered sophisticated AI-powered exam fraud syndicates targeting candidates registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Speaking in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, described the development as a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system.

He revealed that criminal groups used artificial intelligence tools to impersonate JAMB officials and defraud candidates and their parents.

According to Oloyede, over 100 candidates across 25 states were implicated in the fraud scheme, with 83 confirmed to have made payments for illegal assistance.

He stressed that both candidates and parents who willingly subscribed to such services would face strict consequences, including possible cancellation of their UTME registrations.

AI Exam Fraud: Candidates, Parents Complicit

JAMB maintained that paying for examination malpractice is a criminal offence.

Oloyede warned that ignorance would not serve as a defence, adding that even participation in fraudulent WhatsApp groups offering exam assistance would attract sanctions.

The Board also dismissed claims of increased UTME registration fees, clarifying that no price adjustment had been made.

It urged candidates to report any CBT centre charging above the approved fee.

Security Agencies, CBT Centres Under Watch

Some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres have already been suspended for alleged involvement.

JAMB confirmed collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Directorate of State Services, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to dismantle the AI-driven syndicates.

The 2026 UTME registration, which began on January 26, recorded over 1.5 million candidates as of mid-February.

Oloyede assured the public that JAMB’s upgraded technology can detect prohibited devices during examinations, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to exam integrity.

He urged parents to discourage examination fraud, emphasizing that cheating undermines merit and jeopardizes students’ futures.