JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede has warned 2.24 million candidates registered for the 2026 UTME that real time malpractice detection is now active ahead of the April 16, 2026, start date. This notice follows the successful prosecution of more than five candidates for examination offences during the 2025 cycle.
Speaking at a press briefing, Professor Oloyede made clear that JAMB’s technological capacity to detect and prosecute examination fraud has never been stronger, warning that no candidate, parent or fraudster should underestimate the board’s readiness. “There is no shortcut to success; the only path is through hard work. Candidates must focus on their preparation and avoid dishonest practices that could permanently damage their academic prospects,” he stated.
The Registrar confirmed that the board will not entertain any appeals for leniency once an offence is established, adding that candidates have been adequately warned. He also raised specific concern over the growing number of online fraudsters claiming the ability to inflate UTME scores, warning that any candidate who engages with such schemes risks outright cancellation of their registration or withdrawal of their results. “These activities are criminal, and those involved will be prosecuted,” Oloyede cautioned, urging parents, guardians and school authorities to steer candidates away from such schemes actively.
The board reiterated that the UTME bulletin was reviewed on Monday, April 6, 2026, and reaffirmed that robust mechanisms are in place to identify and prosecute would be offenders. JAMB also reminded candidates that “candidates found engaging in these activities risk cancellation of registration or withdrawal of results.”
On eligibility, Oloyede stressed that a valid UTME entry requires possession of the West African Senior School Certificate issued by WAEC or its equivalent from NECO, emphasising that academic preparation remains the only legitimate route to securing admission into universities, polytechnics, monotechnics or colleges of education. “The future of thousands of young Nigerians depends on the integrity of this examination. JAMB is committed to ensuring that all candidates are assessed fairly based on merit and knowledge,” he stated.
Last Updated on April 7, 2026 by Ola Funmilayo
With over a decade of experience in education journalism, JAMB-GOV.ORG has become a trusted voice in providing relevant and comprehensive JAMB news reporting that matter most to students and educators nationwide.
