The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning against illegal UTME registration centres, emphasizing that only approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres should be used for the ongoing 2025/2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this statement on Monday while monitoring CBT centres in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he also revealed that 1,021 candidates have registered in Jigawa State so far.

Blacklisting of Six CBT Officials for Malpractice

Oloyede disclosed that JAMB has blacklisted six CBT officials for their involvement in blank registrations, a fraudulent act that compromises the integrity of the UTME process.

“Six CBT individuals engaged by JAMB from various institutions in the country have been blacklisted for life from participating in JAMB-conducted examinations,” he stated.

He further explained that JAMB has their details on record and will continue to track them, even if they later become professors or Vice-Chancellors.

Additionally, one senior university official is currently facing prosecution for admission-related fraud, while four others are under investigation and have been placed on JAMB’s watchlist.

Warning Against Illegal Registrations and Night Operations

Oloyede also revealed that 10 institutions were caught registering candidates at night, violating JAMB’s strict regulations. These institutions have been issued warnings and must immediately cease such activities.

He further cautioned that CBT centres must not retain candidate registration templates, as this could be exploited for malpractice.

UTME 2025/2026 Registration Figures So Far

As of Monday afternoon, JAMB has successfully registered 420,674 candidates for the 2025/2026 UTME, with 32,435 candidates registering on Monday alone.

• 124,632 candidates have registered for the mock UTME.
• 331 candidates have registered for trial testing (not applying for university admission in the 2025/2026 session).
• JAMB aims to register two million candidates before the deadline.

Concerns Over Rising Number of Underage Candidates

Oloyede also raised concerns about the increasing number of underage candidates, revealing that 4,997 candidates below the age of 16 had already registered.

“Before, the number of underage candidates was around 300. Now, in just five days, we already have nearly 5,000. Many parents are misdirecting their children, using their early education achievements to boost their CVs,” he lamented.

JAMB has made it mandatory for underage candidates to sign an indemnity form, ensuring they meet the academic expectations of their claimed intelligence or face sanctions.

Smooth Registration Process Across CBT Centres

During his inspection of CBT centres, including:

• Kwara State College of Education
• Al-Hikmah University
• Socrates College
• Matrix CBT Centre (Pipeline Road, Tanke, Ilorin)
• University of Ilorin CBT Centre

Oloyede expressed satisfaction with the smoothness of the registration process, commending CBT centre officials, security agencies, and JAMB staff for maintaining high standards.

“Going around, I’m very proud of those on the field CBT centres, my staff, and everyone involved. It’s better by far. People know we won’t accept anything less than the standard, and they’ve done very well,” he stated.

JAMB continues to closely monitor the registration process nationwide, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fairness while taking strict action against malpractice and unauthorized registrations.