The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set up a special 23-member committee to investigate thousands of candidates accused of using sophisticated technology to cheat during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Inaugurating the panel on Monday in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the results of 6,458 candidates are being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation.

He described the infractions as “extraordinary” cases of malpractice that go beyond traditional exam cheating methods.

According to him, new tricks uncovered during this year’s UTME include biometric manipulation, identity fraud, image blending, finger pairing, and falsified claims of albinism to beat the system.

Some accredited CBT centres were also implicated in aiding the fraud.

“Examination malpractice is something we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins. Left unchecked, it will undermine not just education but the integrity of our nation,” Oloyede warned.

While 141 cases of “normal” malpractice have already been referred to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the newly inaugurated panel will focus on more complex cases involving advanced technology.

Its terms of reference include: investigating the 6,458 suspected candidates; identifying methods, tools, and technologies used for malpractice; reviewing policies and recommending preventive measures; recommending sanctions where necessary; and designing a framework to detect and stop high-tech fraud in future exams.

The registrar gave the committee three weeks to submit its report, stressing that innocent candidates should not be denied admission opportunities once investigations are concluded.

Responding on behalf of the panel, the Chairman, Dr. Jake Epele, pledged fairness and transparency, describing the assignment as a “sacred duty” to defend merit and restore public confidence in the education system.

“This is not just a committee job; it is a call from God Almighty. We must protect integrity and ensure that diligence and honesty remain the true pathway to opportunity,” Epele said.

The committee includes academics, security experts, and representatives from Microsoft Africa, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and student associations.