The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the organization that conducts entrance exams for universities in Nigeria, has shared a surprising story. A blind student hired another visually impaired person to take the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for him.
JAMB’s registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, shared the news on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. He explained that the incident happened during a special exam session for blind candidates, which was organized by the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG). This group helps students with disabilities take their exams fairly and comfortably.
Out of the 501 blind candidates who sat for the exam across 11 centres in the country, one was caught cheating. According to Professor Oloyede, the candidate hired a university student—who is also blind—to pretend to be him and take the test.
Professor Oloyede expressed sadness and disappointment. He said this act showed how some people are willing to break the rules just to get into the university. “It’s unfortunate that someone would go that far,” he said.
He also reminded the public that JAMB goes the extra mile to help blind and challenged students. The board refunds their registration fees and pays for their transport, accommodation, and food during the exams. This is done to make sure that no student is left out because of a disability.
“The board is fully committed to helping students with special needs get the chance to attend the university,” Oloyede said. He also praised the work of the JEOG team, led by Professor Peter Okebukola, for their hard work in supporting these students.
The results of the 2025 UTME were released on Friday. Over 1.9 million candidates got their scores. However, 39,834 results were withheld due to suspected exam cheating. In total, more than 40 people have been caught for their involvement in exam malpractice.
This incident is a reminder that honesty and hard work are always the best way forward—no matter the challenge.
