JAMB Sacks Staff Over Candidate Extortion, Warns Against Abuse of Office

JAMB Sacks Staff Over Candidate Extortion, Warns Against Abuse of Office

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has terminated the appointment of a staff member found culpable of extorting candidates, reinforcing the examination body’s warning that employees who abuse their positions will face disciplinary action.

The development was disclosed in JAMB’s latest bulletin as the board continues its efforts to strengthen accountability and protect candidates from fraud, extortion and other forms of exploitation within the UTME and admission process.

JAMB did not disclose the identity of the affected staff member or the specific amount allegedly collected from candidates. However, the board’s decision to terminate the appointment underscores its stated position that misconduct by its own personnel will not be tolerated.

The action comes amid the board’s broader campaign against fraudulent practices targeting UTME candidates, including attempts by individuals and organised groups to exploit candidates and their parents by promising examination assistance, admission-related services or other benefits.

JAMB has repeatedly warned candidates and parents against paying individuals who claim they can manipulate examination results, secure admission through unofficial channels or provide services outside the board’s approved procedures.

The board maintains a cashless registration system aimed partly at reducing opportunities for unnecessary financial dealings between candidates and officials. Its official guidance also states that candidates should use JAMB-approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for registration and other designated services.

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JAMB has previously acknowledged concerns about extortion involving officials and operators. In 2024, the board said it had received reports of candidates being allegedly extorted in connection with regularisation and other services and directed investigations into the complaints.

The board had also considered reducing physical interaction between candidates and officials, particularly because many UTME candidates are underage, as part of efforts to reduce opportunities for exploitation and improve monitoring.

The latest dismissal is also coming as JAMB continues to confront wider forms of examination malpractice and fraud.

Earlier in 2026, the board disclosed that it had uncovered syndicates using artificial intelligence and other methods to impersonate JAMB officials and defraud candidates preparing for the UTME. Investigations in that case reportedly linked more than 100 candidates to the scheme, with dozens confirmed to have made payments to the fraudsters.

JAMB has also taken disciplinary and other enforcement measures against personnel and centres implicated in activities considered capable of compromising the integrity of its examination system.

The board’s position is that the fight against examination malpractice must include both external fraudsters and individuals working within the system who exploit their official positions.

For candidates, JAMB advises that payments and transactions relating to its services should be made through approved channels and that sensitive information such as passwords, profile details and e-PINs should not be disclosed to unauthorised persons.

Candidates who encounter problems or suspect misconduct can also use JAMB’s Central Online Support System (COSS) to submit complaints and track their cases.

The latest action therefore sends a clear administrative signal that JAMB staff misconduct can attract serious consequences, particularly where officials are found to have exploited candidates entrusted to their care.

JAMB said its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism and integrity in dealing with candidates, while the board will continue to take appropriate action against those found to have violated its rules.

The development is expected to further focus attention on safeguards around the JAMB registration process, candidate support services and other interactions between applicants and officials as the board continues efforts to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.

JAMB Sacks Staff Over Candidate Extortion, Warns Against Abuse of Office