The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently disclosed that 21 candidates presented fake IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) results during the 2023 admissions process. These candidates were recommended for admission by various institutions, but their applications were not approved by JAMB upon discovery of the falsified documents.
Among the 21 candidates, 12 were recommended by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, raising concerns about the screening processes at the institutions involved. JAMB criticized this “audacious attitude” and pointed out that such recommendations were possible because certificate screening was conducted after registration, rather than beforehand.
JAMB emphasized the necessity for all academic certificates to be signed by the head of the institution, such as the Vice-Chancellor, Provost, or Rector, to ensure authenticity. This policy is part of JAMB’s efforts to combat the submission of fake results and maintain the integrity of the admissions process.
In response to ongoing issues with fraudulent results, JAMB previously introduced the Nigerian Post-Secondary Education Data System (NIPEDS) verification platform in 2021, which allows for the verification of IJMB and JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) results. This platform was developed following investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Education into irregularities in examination results.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the education sector from fraudulent activities and ensuring that the credibility of examination processes is upheld. The board is expected to implement additional measures to prevent the erosion of the progress made in Nigeria’s education system due to the actions of unscrupulous individuals.
