UTME 2025:Blind candidate hired Blind man to write for him-JAMB

Abuja, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed a case of impersonation involving two visually impaired individuals during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday that a blind UTME candidate allegedly contracted another blind individual—an undergraduate—to sit the exam on his behalf.

“Sadly, one of them was involved in impersonation by recruiting an undergraduate student who is also blind to come and write for another blind candidate,” Oloyede stated.

Despite the incident, the registrar reaffirmed the board’s commitment to providing inclusive educational opportunities for persons with disabilities. He praised the efforts of the Prof. Peter Okebukola-led JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which oversees the special arrangements for candidates with disabilities.

“JEOG continues to demonstrate exceptional dedication in ensuring that these candidates are able to sit examinations, regardless of their challenges,” Oloyede said.

According to him, JAMB provides a range of support measures to blind and physically challenged candidates, including free registration, transportation, accommodation, and feeding during the examination period.

For the 2025 UTME, 501 blind candidates sat the examination across 11 designated centres nationwide, under the supervision of JEOG. The board confirmed that their results have now been released.

Over 1.5 Million Candidates Score Below 200
Meanwhile, JAMB also released the general results of the 2025 UTME, which saw over 1.9 million candidates participate nationwide.

Performance statistics revealed a troubling trend, with more than 1.5 million candidates scoring below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks—far below the benchmark traditionally considered average for university admission.

The UTME assesses candidates in four subjects, including the compulsory Use of English and three other subjects relevant to their chosen course of study.

Reacting to the results, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended the board for its continuous efforts in combating examination malpractice, describing the results as a reflection of stricter examination processes and enhanced integrity.

The impersonation case involving the blind candidates is currently being investigated by JAMB. The board is expected to take disciplinary action in line with its regulations.