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The Police in Kaduna have apprehended a father and his son during the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), when the father impersonated his son in the examination hall.
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed this development while conducting an inspection of UTME centers in Kaduna.
Oloyede emphasised that while the majority of the examination proceeded smoothly, instances of impersonation surfaced, partly due to individuals possessing multiple National Identity Numbers (NIN). He warned that cheating would not go unpunished, as JAMB has bolstered its technological capabilities to combat malpractice.
Addressing the media at the Kaduna State University (KASU) CBT Centre, Oloyede stated, “For those who engage in cheating, they should know that it does not pay. The technology is helping us to check that.”
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Oloyede recounted a case where a father clandestinely wrote the exam on behalf of his son, both of whom are now in custody. He expressed bewilderment over the father’s actions, questioning the ramifications for his son’s future.
While acknowledging impersonation as a prevalent issue, Oloyede assured that JAMB remains vigilant, leveraging advanced surveillance to identify and apprehend offenders. He hinted at forthcoming consequences for those under scrutiny even after the exams conclude.
Furthermore, Oloyede clarified that candidates who missed the exam due to personal negligence would not receive special accommodations, citing the impracticality of reallocating significant resources for a select few.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by educational authorities in upholding exam integrity amidst evolving technological landscapes and unethical practices.
