The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) discovered 32 students and 6 accomplices at two Computer-based Test Centers in Kano engaged in various forms of cheating during exams. During a visit to some of the centers in Kano, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Isaq Oloyede, announced the findings.

According to Prof. Oloyede, six individuals out of the group will face prosecution from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for thumb printing on behalf of multiple candidates. He stated that although JAMB found some unethical practices, the overall registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Kano is proceeding smoothly. Prof. Oloyede pointed out that the media has reported on attempts to impersonate candidates by replacing their fingerprints, and JAMB has uncovered evidence of this happening at multiple locations where suspects have confessed to the crime.

Prof. Oloyede revealed that the individuals who replaced the candidates’ thumbprints with their own intended to extort money from the candidates through threats or ransom demands. At the Federal College of Education (FCE) in Kano, he displayed evidence of malpractice involving two temporary staff members accused of thumb printing for a female candidate. The candidate confessed over the phone to the press that the staff members had thumb printed on her behalf. During the inspection tour, Prof. Oloyede and the JAMB staff visited several key centers including those at Bayero University, Tez Computer Center, and Butale Computer Center, where they discovered four temporary staff members committing similar offenses of thumb printing for candidates.

Despite being given the chance to confess, the suspects maintained their innocence. Prof. Oloyede warned candidates to avoid any actions that could bring shame to them and their families. He stated that any candidate found collaborating with temporary staff at the Computer-based Test Centers to commit fraud will be dealt with in the same manner as the staff members involved. JAMB has already implemented measures to detect cheating at the registration centers. The secretary of the group, Comrade Chiebuka Adimora, emphasized the importance of having experienced leaders, like Chidoka, during the current challenging circumstances in Nigeria, arguing that electing a new representative for the constituency in 2023 would be counterproductive in these tough times.

Source: ThisDay Live