JAMB Nabs Two Candidates, Parent Over Alleged AI-Driven UTME Score Manipulation

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in a firm response to emerging examination malpractice trends, has confirmed the arrest of two candidates and a parent over alleged falsification of 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results using artificial intelligence and other electronic tools.

According to information released by the examination body and reported under Global Mirror News, the suspects were apprehended following investigations into attempts to manipulate official result notifications shortly after the release of the 2026 UTME scores.

JAMB made the disclosure on Friday, April 17, while announcing the release of results for 632,788 candidates who sat for the examination conducted on Thursday, April 16.

Speaking through its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the board stated that the arrested individuals were involved in altering SMS-based result notifications in an attempt to fabricate or adjust scores, allegedly to mislead parents, guardians, and members of the public.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement confirmed.

Describing the act as a serious criminal offence, JAMB warned that all those involved would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The board also stressed that it would not tolerate any form of technological manipulation aimed at undermining the integrity of its examination processes.

Candidates were further cautioned against tampering with official result messages sent via JAMB’s designated SMS platforms, 55019 and 66019.

The board advised all candidates who participated in the examination to check their results by sending UTMERESULT via SMS to either 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used during registration.