JAMB Exposes Massive A-Level Fraud At Bayero University, Kano, Bolstering Admission Integrity.
In a groundbreaking revelation, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered a staggering 96% of A-level results submitted for Direct Entry admission at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) in 2024 were fraudulent. This discovery, announced on 14 May 2025, marks a significant step in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education admission process, highlighting JAMB’s robust efforts to combat academic fraud.
According to JAMB’s latest bulletin, of the 148 A-level results presented to BUK for Direct Entry admission, only six were deemed genuine, leaving 142 as forgeries. The fraudulent documents included falsified Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination (IJMBE) results, purportedly issued by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, used by candidates to bypass standard admission protocols. JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, described the findings as “alarming but not insurmountable,” emphasising the board’s commitment to rooting out such malpractices.
The discovery was facilitated by the Nigeria Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (NIPEDS), established two years ago following concerns raised by BUK about forged credentials. NIPEDS has proven instrumental in verifying academic documents, with JAMB recently flagging an additional 13 fake A-level certificates submitted to other universities, some of which had already secured admission offers. “This is a wake-up call for all tertiary institutions to strengthen their verification processes,” Oloyede stated, warning that institutions admitting candidates with forged credentials could face accountability.
This breakthrough builds on JAMB’s ongoing reforms to enhance transparency in admissions. The board has urged universities to conduct independent checks beyond NIPEDS, ensuring no fraudulent credentials slip through. BUK, a leading institution in Nigeria’s North-West, has already taken steps to tighten its admission processes, with the university’s management pledging full cooperation with JAMB’s investigations.
The exposure of this fraud is being hailed as a positive development for Nigeria’s education sector, demonstrating that systems like NIPEDS are effective in catching malpractice. Education analysts commend JAMB’s proactive approach, noting that such actions deter future fraud and protect the credibility of academic qualifications. “This is a victory for accountability,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, an education consultant in Kano. “It sends a clear message that cheating the system will not go unpunished.”
As BUK prepares for the 2025/2026 academic session, with its Post-UTME screening and admission lists already underway, the university is expected to implement stricter document verification protocols. JAMB’s decisive action not only safeguards BUK’s reputation but also sets a precedent for other institutions nationwide, fostering a culture of trust and merit in higher education.