The 2025 UTME kicked off today, with over 2 million candidates sitting for Nigeria’s biggest university entrance exam. But alongside the usual anxiety and expectations came a now-familiar shadow: cheating scandals. This year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) revealed it had deliberately created a fake “expo” website—and 180 students paid into it, hoping to access leaked questions.
This isn’t just a headline-grabbing stunt. It’s a sharp reminder of how deeply the idea of shortcuts has taken root in Nigeria’s educational culture.
JAMB’s move to set a trap wasn’t random. Every year, scores of students fall for websites promising “real UTME questions,” “runz,” or “miracle centers.” Some pay in cash. Others share personal details. All in pursuit of an edge—real or imagined.
The rogue website worked because it targeted a systemic problem. These students weren’t just attempting to game the system—they were reacting to a system that often feels rigged against them. When university admission is a high-stakes gamble and WAEC/NECO success isn’t enough, desperation finds a digital outlet.
Some argue that cheating is a symptom of a broken system, not personal failure. That may be true, but it’s still a dangerous message to send to a generation of future leaders, doctors, engineers, and teachers.
By cracking down—not just punishing, but outsmarting—JAMB is taking a proactive stance in defending the credibility of Nigeria’s education system. Exam integrity isn’t just about getting a grade. It’s about fairness, trust, and national credibility. Once that’s gone, what’s left?
In 2025, students are more tech-savvy than ever. But so are scammers. Fake websites look legitimate. Chat groups spread misinformation. The “expo” economy is thriving across Telegram, TikTok, and shady corners of the web.
What does this mean for educators and exam bodies? It means digital integrity must now be part of exam strategy. Awareness campaigns must evolve. Tech must match tech. Schools, parents, and policymakers must get smarter—fast.
By setting up a fake site, JAMB reminded us that deterrence works when it’s innovative. It’s not just about metal detectors and CCTV. It’s about beating fraudsters at their own game. But it also begs the question: why are so many students willing to cheat? And what systems make that choice look like a smart move?
