JAMB Cancels Hundreds of 2026 UTME Slots Over AI Cheating Ring – Check If Yours Is Safe Before It’s Too Late
As we enter March 2026, key developments in Nigeria’s education sector are unfolding, directly affecting students preparing for exams, admissions, or campus activities. This post focuses strictly on verified information from official sources and recent reports, covering the JAMB UTME registration closure amid a fraud scandal, WAEC’s ongoing CBT shift despite opposition, and AE-FUNAI’s adjusted 2025/2026 session timelines. If you’re gearing up for national exams, these details are essential. Let’s break it down with the latest confirmed facts.
JAMB 2026: Registration Ends with AI Syndicate Probe – Next Steps for Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officially concluded registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on February 28, 2026, with no extensions.b4d212 This follows a registration period that began in January, and the board has now uncovered a syndicate using artificial intelligence (AI) to sabotage the process, primarily by assisting underage candidates.58a4a3 Approximately 38,000 underage registrants were identified, with around 100 linked to this operation across multiple states.a8ba85
Key verified details from the investigation:
Internal Compromises: Three JAMB staff members are recommended for dismissal for allegedly selling unauthorized access to the portal, with two more under probe in Kaduna and Katsina.72543e
AI Tactics and Recommendations: The syndicate employed AI to bypass security measures. JAMB has advised the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to cancel the affected registrations.778a7c
Security Enhancements: All exam centers will feature live CCTV monitoring to prevent further malpractice.07f5e7
Upcoming milestones:
Mock Exam: Planned for late March 2026 as a practice for registered candidates.73b5f1
Main UTME: Set for April 2026; candidates should prepare using official syllabi and CBT practice tools from jamb.gov.ng.f97e3a
Direct Entry Registration: Commenced on March 2, 2026, for diploma holders and advanced entry applicants.d69fdf
If your registration is in question, verify your status on the JAMB portal immediately. Avoid unauthorized services, as involvement in the syndicate could lead to severe penalties.766445 For preparation, free CBT simulators like those mentioned in student resources are recommended.