The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) mop-up test, held last Saturday across Nigeria, turned into a dramatic scene as more than 85,000 out of 98,232 eligible candidates failed to show up. The massive absenteeism left exam halls almost empty, with only about 12,000 candidates—just 12 percent of those expected—present for the crucial exam. This development has raised serious questions about the integrity of the examination process and the real reasons behind such a low turnout.
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the low turnout is not just a coincidence. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, who monitored the exercise at the Technology CBT Centre in NAF Valley Estate, Abuja, told journalists that the Board had intensified security measures to catch impersonators and exam cheats.
He described the turnout as “alarmingly low,” pointing out that in previous years, only a few thousand candidates—usually those with genuine reasons such as illness or technical problems—were invited for the mop-up exam.
“Every year, we do mop-up. And it is normally for about 4,000, 5,000 students. Who for illness, for genuine excuse, could not take the exam. Or who, after review, we saw had technical problems in their centers. This is normally for about 4,000, 5,000. Every year, we do that,” Prof. Oloyede said.
Crackdown on Exam Syndicates and Cheating Tactics
This year, however, JAMB decided to give a second chance to all candidates who missed the main UTME, regardless of the reason.
The Board also used intelligence gathered in partnership with security agencies like the DSS and police to target impersonators. Prof. Oloyede explained that many of the absent candidates were actually fraudsters or part of organized syndicates.
“Some CBT centres expected 250 candidates per session, but less than 20 actually came. We knew this would happen because many of those who registered are actually fraudsters or impersonators,” he said.
He also revealed that some private school owners and tutorial centers have turned into syndicates, helping students cheat or impersonate others.
One of the most shocking revelations was about candidates falsely claiming to be albino.
“We have never had up to 100 albinos in any year. But this year, 1,787 people claimed to be albino. One centre alone registered 450 ‘albinos’ out of 1,000 candidates. It’s clear they are not real albinos,” Prof. Oloyede said.
He explained that some fraudsters tried to use artificial intelligence (AI) to blend photos and trick facial recognition software.
“They take two people’s photos and blend them so the picture looks like both. That’s how they try to beat the system,” he said.
No Hiding Place for Cheats
Prof. Oloyede warned that all suspected impersonators will be caught. “They registered with their names, schools, NINs, and phone numbers. The security agencies are already picking them up,” he said.
He also sent a strong message to parents who help their children cheat: “Parents who finance exam malpractice will soon be investigated and prosecuted. We are serious about ending this problem.”
Because of the ongoing investigations, JAMB may delay the release of the mop-up exam results until Monday today, June 30.
“We want to make sure we remove all suspected fraudulent entries before releasing the results,” Prof. Oloyede said.
The Registrar also spoke about fraud in the Direct Entry (DE) system.
“This year, 14 candidates have already been caught with fake certificates. We also found out that some schools are awarding NCE certificates to students who never attended NCE programmes,” he said.
He said some students even tried to use fake results after graduating as medical doctors.
“You cannot become a doctor without the right qualifications. Some of these students are now trying to get credits in subjects they should have had before admission,” he said.
Recent Challenges and Public Reactions
The 2025 UTME has been marked by several challenges, including technical glitches that affected thousands of candidates. Prof. Oloyede has previously addressed these issues in press conferences, admitting that errors occurred and promising to rectify them.
He also faced calls for his resignation, which he strongly rejected, stating that critics lacked the competence to question his leadership.
“Truck pushers cannot direct pilots,” he famously said, referring to those calling for his resignation. He emphasized that JAMB remains committed to fairness and inclusiveness, and that the mop-up exam is a normal part of academic processes worldwide.
Quote of the Day
“Every year, we do mop-up. And it is normally for about 4,000, 5,000 students. Who for illness, for genuine excuse, could not take the exam. Or who, after review, we saw had technical problems in their centers. This is normally for about 4,000, 5,000. Every year, we do that.”
— Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar
The 2025 UTME mop-up exam will be remembered for its record low turnout and the strong actions taken by JAMB to fight cheating. The Board is determined to reduce exam malpractice to the barest minimum and has the support of the Ministry of Education in this fight.
