The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board says it has uncovered a sophisticated fraud network that used artificial intelligence tools to deceive candidates during the 2026 UTME registration. Investigators found organised groups creating fake identities and AI-generated content pretending to be board officials to lure applicants and parents into paying for illegal registration assistance, the board’s registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, said in Abuja.
He disclosed that the scheme was widespread, involving candidates from at least 25 states, and more than 100 registrations were linked to the illegal operation. Of those, 83 have been confirmed to have made payments to the syndicate, and JAMB has recommended to the Minister of Education that the registrations be cancelled to deter others.
Oloyede said some computer-based test centres and tutorial operators implicated in the scheme have been suspended, and a few school proprietors are in custody for aiding malpractice. He also revealed that some staff members will face disciplinary actions for their role in facilitating access to the system.
The registrar warned that paying for fraud or belonging to groups offering such services is a criminal offence, stressing that even underage candidates involved will not be treated as innocent. He urged parents and candidates to avoid shortcuts that undermine merit and warned that JAMB will continue to work with security agencies to protect the integrity of the registration process.
An education writer with almost a decade of experience helping Nigerian students prepare for JAMB and Admission. Hauwa is passionate about ensuring that students have the resources and guides they need to succeed in their academic journey.