AI Fraud Ring Busted in 2026 UTME Scam
Last update: March 1, 2026
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Fraudulent materials were used to deceive candidates and parents into paying for illegal “assistance” during the UTME process.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it has uncovered and dismantled a criminal syndicate that allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to defraud candidates during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration exercise.
CBI News reports that the suspects were arrested following a discreet investigation by the Board, which described the scheme as a major threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
Addressing journalists in Bwari, Abuja, JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede disclosed that the syndicate produced AI-generated videos and images to impersonate top officials, including the Minister of Education and himself.
According to the Registrar, more than 100 candidates across 25 states have been linked to the operation, with 83 confirmed to have made payments for the illicit services.
Oloyode stressed that both candidates and their parents who willingly , participated cannot be considered innocent, warning that JAMB would recommend the cancellation of registrations of those found culpable.
He also dismissed reports alleging that JAMB increased its registration fees, describing such claims as false and politically motivated, and maintained that the approved fees remain unchanged urging the public to report any centre charging beyond the official rates.
The Registrar further revealed that the fraudulent network involved certain tutorial centres and school proprietors who allegedly transported candidates across state lines and lodged them in hotels to facilitate malpractice.
He emphasised that the criminal activities were widespread and not restricted to any specific region of the country.
Oloyode however reiterated JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on examination fraud, pointing out that the Board, in collaboration with security agencies, remains technologically ahead of perpetrators.
He called on parents, schools, candidates, and the media to support efforts to safeguard the credibility of the UTME, warning that ignorance will no longer be accepted as an excuse for engaging in malpractice.
