The (JAMB) has arrested two candidates alongside a parent for allegedly falsifying their 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results using artificial intelligence and other digital manipulation tools.
The suspects were reportedly involved in altering official result notifications, particularly SMS messages, in a bid to inflate scores and mislead unsuspecting parents, guardians, and institutions.
According to JAMB, the accused individuals manipulated result messages sent to candidates after the examination. By leveraging AI tools and digital editing techniques, they were able to fabricate higher scores that appeared authentic at first glance.
This form of fraud is particularly concerning because it targets one of the most trusted communication channels—official SMS notifications from the examination body. By tampering with these messages, fraudsters attempt to create false academic records that could influence admission decisions.
The arrests come at a critical time, as JAMB has just released results for over 600,000 candidates who participated in the ongoing 2026 UTME. The nationwide examination commenced on April 16, with candidates across Nigeria taking part in the crucial test for tertiary institution admission.
The board noted that its monitoring systems and intelligence efforts played a key role in identifying the fraudulent activity, leading to the swift apprehension of those involved.
JAMB’s spokesperson, , described the act as a serious criminal offence and emphasized that the board will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
He warned candidates and the general public against:
Tampering with official examination results
Engaging with individuals or platforms promising score upgrades
Sharing or relying on unverified result information
According to him, all official results should only be accessed through JAMB’s verified channels to avoid falling victim to fraud or misinformation.
This incident highlights a growing trend in the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital tools in examination malpractice. While AI has legitimate applications in education and productivity, its abuse for fraudulent purposes is becoming an increasing challenge for authorities.
Education experts warn that such practices:
Undermine the credibility of national examinations
Create unfair advantages for dishonest candidates
Erode trust in the education system
As a result, examination bodies like JAMB are stepping up surveillance, deploying advanced detection systems, and collaborating with security agencies to combat digital fraud.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the UTME, which remains a key requirement for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The board assured stakeholders that:
Robust verification systems are in place to detect fake results
Candidates involved in malpractice will face legal consequences
Continuous improvements are being made to secure examination processes
Parents were also advised to verify their children’s results directly through official platforms rather than relying on screenshots or forwarded messages.
To avoid issues related to result fraud, candidates are encouraged to:
Check results only via official JAMB portals or SMS codes
Avoid third-party agents offering score manipulation services
Report suspicious activities to JAMB or relevant authorities
The arrest of candidates and a parent over AI-driven UTME result falsification serves as a strong warning against examination malpractice in Nigeria. As digital tools evolve, so do the tactics used by fraudsters—but authorities are equally enhancing their capabilities to detect and prosecute such crimes.
For candidates, the message is clear: integrity remains the only reliable path to academic success, and any attempt to manipulate results could lead to severe legal consequences.