The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced its intention to impose strict penalties on 11 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and their agents over alleged fingerprint irregularities during the registration process for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, made this known after a consultative meeting with key stakeholders and the implicated CBT centres and registrants on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stated that the proposed sanctions would require the approval of the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, emphasizing that the move is aimed at preserving the credibility of the examination system.

According to him, any registration agent found to have enrolled more than 50 candidates with fingerprint infractions will face a three-year ban from all JAMB-related activities. This includes registering candidates for UTME, sitting for the exam personally, or participating in any other national exams such as WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.

“This three-year suspension may be reconsidered after the period, provided the individual shows genuine remorse,” Oloyede said.

For those involved in fewer than 50 irregular registrations, they will be issued warnings and required to submit a written apology along with a signed bond promising not to repeat the offense.

Regarding the CBT centres, he said all those implicated would be formally warned and asked to sign compliance bonds. In addition, they must provide evidence that their staff have undergone ethical training, which must be conducted by a relevant department of a nearby federal university.

Oloyede, through JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, noted that JAMB would no longer tolerate any form of misconduct from these centres, and their re-engagement would only occur after they present a certificate confirming their staff have completed ethics training from a recognized federal institution.

“For government-owned centres, reports of the violations will be submitted to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he added.

During the meeting, many of the affected registrants and CBT staff admitted to enrolling candidates using fingerprints not belonging to them. Some attributed their actions to ignorance or pressure to increase registration numbers, and many became emotional as they pleaded for leniency.

Fatai Owoseni, a former Lagos Commissioner of Police and stakeholder at the meeting, described the offenses as prosecutable and punishable by imprisonment. However, he urged JAMB to offer the offenders a chance to sign undertakings instead of immediate prosecution.

Bashir Gumel, a representative of Jicoras CBT Centre, stated that the centre had already begun an internal investigation and would share its findings with JAMB.

“We have questioned those involved and obtained their confessions. Disciplinary action will be taken, and we will report back to JAMB. This is our first year of operation, and we weren’t aware such practices were unacceptable. We assure JAMB it won’t happen again,” Gumel said.

The 11 affected CBT centres are:

Misau Emirate ICT Centre, Misau, Bauchi State

Ijaw National Academy, Kiama, Bayelsa State

Directorate of ICT, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Gombe State

Emerald IT Academy Limited, Benin City, Edo State

Tigh Technologies, Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja

Jicoras CBT Centre, Babura, Jigawa State

Huntsville Technology Limited, Anthony, Lagos State

Jolas College CBT Centre, Obalende, Lagos

Abdul Ocean Weath CBT Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Wase, Plateau State

Consulate Salle D’Examen CBT Centre, Jonny Lane/Navy Barracks Agip Estate, Rivers State