UTME 2026: JAMB Arrests Candidates, Parent Over AI-Based Score Forgery
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has confirmed the arrest of two candidates and a parent for allegedly falsifying results from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) using artificial intelligence tools and other electronic methods.
The arrests were disclosed as part of updates accompanying the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the examination session conducted on April 16, 2026.
Ejes Gist News reports that the examination body has intensified monitoring mechanisms to detect digital manipulation of official records.
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Suspects Accused of Manipulating Official Result Notifications
In a statement issued by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the board said the suspects were apprehended for altering official SMS-based result notifications issued by the examination body.
According to the statement, the individuals allegedly used AI-driven techniques and other digital tools to fabricate or modify UTME scores, with the intention of misleading parents, guardians, and other stakeholders.
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Benjamin stated:
- Two candidates and one parent are currently in custody
- The suspects allegedly tampered with official result messages
- The manipulation involved AI-assisted alteration of scores
He described the act as a serious breach of examination integrity and a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
JAMB Warns Against Tampering With Official SMS Channels
The board reiterated that candidates must rely solely on its authorised result-checking channels. JAMB identified its official SMS platforms as:
- 55019
- 66019
Candidates are required to send “UTMERESULT” via SMS using the phone number linked to their registration to access authentic scores.
JAMB cautioned that any attempt to alter or forge these messages constitutes fraud and will attract legal consequences. The board further stated that it would pursue all offenders to the full extent of the law.
UTME 2026 Results Released in Batches
JAMB confirmed that results are being released in phases as marking and verification processes are completed. The board noted that:
- 632,788 results have been released so far
- Additional results will follow in subsequent batches
- Printing of official result slips is yet to commence
The examination body stated that candidates would be notified when the portal for printing official result slips becomes available.
Examination Timeline and Ongoing Monitoring
The 2026 UTME commenced on April 16 and is scheduled to conclude on April 22, 2026, across accredited centres nationwide. JAMB indicated that it has deployed enhanced surveillance systems, including digital tracking tools, to detect irregularities during and after the examination process.
Education analysts note that the emergence of AI-assisted examination malpractice reflects evolving challenges in maintaining assessment integrity, prompting examination bodies to adopt stricter verification protocols and enforcement measures.
JAMB Result 2026: How to Check Your UTME Scores Online and via SMS
Enforcement and Legal Implications
JAMB maintained that examination malpractice, including digital falsification of results, carries legal consequences under Nigeria’s examination laws. The board confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that additional arrests may follow if more individuals are linked to the offence.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the suspects at the time of reporting, pending further investigation and possible prosecution.
