JAMB Exposes Fingerprint Fraud in 19 CBT Centres Across Nigeria

Introduction to the Recent JAMB Reports

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recently uncovered a significant issue of fingerprint fraud within various computer-based test (CBT) centres across Nigeria. During a policy meeting held on Tuesday, the board's registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, highlighted the alarming statistics pertaining to this malpractice. As the credibility of the examination process is paramount, these findings have sparked serious concerns among educational stakeholders.

Details of the Fraudulent Centres

According to data released by JAMB, a total of 19 CBT centres were implicated in the practice of 'finger pairing,' where individuals fraudulently use another person's fingerprint to sit for examinations. The states affected include Anambra and Imo, which led the list, with six and four banned centres, respectively. Other states found engaging in similar malpractices include Abia, Edo, Kano, and Ebonyi, among others, with each state having one to two centres implicated.

Implications for Stakeholders and Future Actions

This revelation has stirred various reactions from educational stakeholders, including vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, who attended the meeting in Abuja. The integrity of JAMB’s examination process is essential for prospective students and the credibility of Nigerian educational institutions. Professor Oloyede emphasized the need for stricter monitoring and regulations to ensure that such fraud does not recur in future examinations. Furthermore, discussions surrounding implementation of more advanced biometric verification systems were initiated to prevent future occurrences of fingerprint fraud within these test centres.

As a response to these challenges, JAMB plans to enhance the mechanisms surrounding the enrollment and examination process to safeguard the interests of legitimate students. The commitment to uphold academic integrity is crucial in maintaining trust in the education system, and it remains imperative that stakeholders play their roles diligently in fostering a fraud-free environment.

In conclusion, the fight against fingerprint fraud and other malpractices in Nigeria's examination processes must be relentless. Collaborative efforts amongst the government, educational authorities, and testing organisations are essential in restoring the sanctity of the examination process and ensuring that deserving candidates have the opportunity to succeed without the taint of dishonest practices.