JAMB Apprehends Three for Allegedly Falsifying UTME Results Using AI

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the apprehension of two examination candidates along with a parent for allegedly fabricating scores in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The individuals are accused of employing artificial intelligence and various electronic devices to falsify the examination results.

This announcement was made by JAMB on Friday, April 17, following the release of results for 632,788 candidates who took the examination the previous day, Thursday, April 16.

According to JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, the arrested individuals were caught for altering official SMS result notifications. Their objective was to create fake scores to deceive parents, guardians, and the general public.

"At present, two candidates and one parent are in custody for their involvement in result falsification using AI and other electronic means," a statement from the board confirmed.

Benjamin emphasised that this fraudulent activity constitutes a serious criminal offence. He assured the public that JAMB would pursue legal action to ensure that all parties involved face the full extent of the law.

The board also issued a stern warning to candidates against attempting to alter or tamper with result messages received via JAMB’s official SMS channels, 55019 and 66019.

Candidates who participated in the examination on Thursday are advised to verify their scores by sending the keyword UTMERESULT via SMS to either 55019 or 66019. The query must be sent using the phone number that was initially registered for the examination.