With more than 2.2 million candidates preparing to sit the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination from 16 April, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued its starkest warning yet against examination malpractice, putting candidates, parents and fraudsters on notice that the consequences of dishonesty will be swift, severe and permanent.

JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede spoke at a press briefing where he made clear that the Board's technological capacity to detect and prosecute malpractice in real time has never been stronger. "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 said. He confirmed that over five candidates who sat the 2025 UTME have already been prosecuted for various offences, a signal that the Board intends to follow through on its warnings. "We now have robust systems capable of monitoring, identifying, and prosecuting malpractices as they occur. JAMB will not entertain any appeals for leniency. Candidates have been adequately warned," he added.

The registrar singled out the growing problem of online fraudsters who claim the ability to boost 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," he said, calling on parents, guardians and school authorities to actively discourage candidates from engaging with examination fraudsters.

Oloyede also reminded candidates of the basic eligibility requirements for the UTME, stressing that valid entry requires possession of the West African Senior School Certificate issued by WAEC or its equivalent from NECO. He reaffirmed that proper 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 said.

For the 2.2 million candidates who have registered for the 2026 UTME, the message from JAMB is unambiguous. No level of technological ingenuity, financial inducement or criminal network will override a system that is now monitoring examination centres in real time and prosecuting offenders without exception. The only strategy that works is preparation.