Admissions Scandal: JAMB Identifies 21 Candidates Using Fake IJMB Certificates
In a startling revelation that has shaken the academic community, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has exposed a significant case of academic fraud.
The board discovered that 21 candidates submitted fake Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) results during the 2023 admissions process. This discovery has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the admissions process and the lengths to which some individuals will go to gain entry into Nigerian higher institutions.
The shocking details were disclosed in a policy document recently obtained by Legit.ng in Abuja. According to the document, of the 21 candidates involved in the scandal, 12 were recommended by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. This has led to a broader discussion about the role of tertiary institutions in the certification process and the need for more stringent measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“JAMB discovered that 21 candidates who paraded fake IJMB results were recommended during the 2023 admission. They were not approved,” the document revealed. The board expressed its dismay at the audacity of these recommendations, highlighting the fact that the certificate screening process was conducted after registration, which enabled the fraud to go undetected initially.
“Twelve of the recommendations were by ABU, Zaria – what an audacious attitude. Recommendations were possible because certificate screening was done after registration,” the document continued. The issue of fake IJMB results has not only implicated ABU, Zaria, but has also revealed that five other institutions were involved in similar recommendations.
JAMB’s insistence on the authenticity of academic certificates is unwavering. The board stated, “JAMB insists that all certificates must have the signature of the Head of the institution (VC/Provost/Rector).” This directive is part of a broader effort to crack down on academic fraud and ensure that only qualified candidates are admitted to tertiary institutions.
In response to the scandal, JAMB has reiterated the importance of stringent verification processes to maintain the credibility of the Nigerian education system. The board had previously introduced the Nigerian Post-Secondary Education Data System (NPEDS) verification platform in 2021. This platform was specifically designed to authenticate IJMB and Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) results, ensuring that only genuine qualifications are accepted during the admissions process.
JAMB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the admissions process is evident. The board stated, “These proactive measures, as well as others that are in the pipeline, are to ensure that the gains recorded in the education sector, especially the examination sub-sector over the years, are not eroded by unscrupulous individuals who do not mean well for Nigeria.” This statement underscores the board’s dedication to preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s education system and preventing further occurrences of such fraudulent activities.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has also weighed in on the issue. In a recent statement, the ICPC emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent them from becoming widespread. As the regulatory body overseeing these examinations, JAMB has vowed to take decisive action to curtail such unacceptable practices and ensure that the admissions process remains transparent and fair for all candidates.
In a related development, JAMB has issued new directives to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. The board, in a move to further tighten the security around the examination process, has instructed CBT centre owners to arrest any parents found loitering near their facilities during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). JAMB registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, made this directive clear during the final briefing of CBT centre owners, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and preventing any form of malpractice during the examinations.
The uncovering of these fake IJMB results is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system. However, it also highlights the ongoing efforts by JAMB and other regulatory bodies to safeguard the integrity of academic qualifications and ensure that only deserving candidates are granted access to higher education.
Admissions Scandal: JAMB Identifies 21 Candidates Using Fake IJMB Certificates
