The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Mahfud Maruf Alausa, has declared that the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) meets all international standards for integrity, coordination, and monitoring.
Dr. Alausa made this statement after leading a team to monitor several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers and the JAMB National Control Room during the ongoing 2025-2026 UTME examinations. According to the Minister, "I am extremely impressed. The way JAMB is conducting its annual exam meets all international benchmarks. It is foolproof against cheating, monitored and coordinated with the highest level of integrity."
He emphasized that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has prioritized human capital development across education, health, and social protection sectors, Nigeria is witnessing stronger adherence to the rule of law and quality in service delivery.
Dr. Alausa also disclosed that beginning from the November 2025 examinations, both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will start conducting their objective tests via Computer-Based Testing (CBT), with a full transition including essay components by May/June 2026. "We are committed to eliminating examination malpractice and ensuring that merit and hard work are rewarded," he affirmed.
Earlier, the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, expressed deep satisfaction with the conduct of this year's UTME, describing it as one of the Board's best examinations so far. Professor Oloyede clarified misconceptions being circulated about candidate arrival times and center assignments, stating, "Our first session always starts at 8:00 a.m., and it is reasonable to ask candidates to arrive early for proper screening. Screening over 250 candidates requires preparation and order."
The Registrar dismissed claims that candidates were posted to centers they did not choose, challenging the public to provide any verifiable case. He recounted instances where misinterpretations by candidates and parents fueled unnecessary controversies, noting that thorough evidence checks revealed no wrongdoing by JAMB.
Professor Oloyede further revealed that over 40 impersonators had been arrested during the ongoing exercise, stressing that the Board has deliberately delayed releasing results to allow for proper verification. "We are not in a hurry to release unverified results. We will ensure that those involved in malpractice are prosecuted," he stated.
Finally, the Honourable Minister commended JAMB for setting the pace for digital transformation in Nigeria's education system and reiterated the government's commitment to continually raising standards in examination administration nationwide.
