The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered a syndicate using artificial intelligence to sabotage the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration process. You might be wondering how they did it – the syndicate allegedly used AI to bypass JAMB’s security measures, allowing them to assist candidates in registering for the exam.
The Sabotage and Its Implications
JAMB’s registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that over 100 candidates were implicated, with 83 confirmed to have made payments, across 25 states. It’s a staggering number, and one that raises serious concerns about the integrity of the education system. The implications are far-reaching – JAMB has recommended the affected candidates to the Minister of Education for cancellation of their registration.
How the Syndicate Operated
The syndicate used AI to impersonate JAMB officials and defraud candidates. Many of the candidates who patronized the syndicate are underaged, and their parents are complicit in the matter. As Oloyede pointed out, “Parents and their children are willing collaborators and cannot be said to be innocent.” This raises questions about the role of parents in exam malpractices.
Consequences and Future Measures
According to Oloyede, “All those who subscribed, who paid to be assisted – we are making appropriate recommendations to the authorities, particularly to the Minister of Education, so that we can cancel all the registrations.” It’s a stern warning, and one that sends a clear message: JAMB won’t tolerate exam malpractices. The board has also sanctioned some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers that were involved in the sabotage.
Detection and Prevention
JAMB detected the sabotage through its enhanced security measures, including its use of technology to monitor the registration process. The board is taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, including investing in robust security measures, such as AI-powered monitoring systems. You can expect JAMB to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Commitment to Fairness and Integrity
JAMB has clarified that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs during registration, and has also provided accommodations for visually impaired candidates. The board has invested heavily to safeguard the credibility of UTME, and it’s committed to fairness, merit, and integrity. As Oloyede pointed out, “We have invested heavily – financially, technologically and institutionally – to safeguard the credibility of UTME.”
What’s Next?
As JAMB continues to investigate and prosecute those involved, it’s clear that the education sector has a lot to learn from this incident. The future of education won’t be written by AI alone – but by the values and principles that guide us. You can expect JAMB to take a strong stance against exam malpractices.
