The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has expressed serious concerns over the integrity of the 2025 UTME result of Chinedu Okeke, the candidate who emerged as the top scorer with 375 points.

 

Speaking at the Board’s 2025 Policy Meeting held Tuesday in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that preliminary investigations into Okeke’s academic background had uncovered discrepancies that may point to misconduct.

 

Okeke, an indigene of Anambra State, applied to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, but JAMB’s internal checks revealed that he is already a registered and active student of Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

 

“We wrote to UNN for clarification, and the institution confirmed that Okeke is a bonafide student, currently studying Medicine and performing well,” Oloyede stated. “This raises legal and ethical issues, as no student is permitted to matriculate twice under Nigerian law.”

 

Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, added that the Board suspects the possibility of impersonation or mercenary activity.

 

“His records are inconsistent,” Benjamin said. “In one submission he claims to be from the South-East, and in another, from Lagos State. There is reason to believe he may have sat for the exam on behalf of another candidate.”

 

JAMB has not yet concluded its investigation but assured the public that it will act in accordance with its policies and national educational regulations once all findings are verified.

 

Meanwhile, the Board released the names of other top-performing candidates in the 2025 UTME, including:

• John Ayuba (Gombe State) – 374

• Olayinka Jimoh (Kwara State) – 373

• Ayibo Roberts (Rivers State) – 373

• Chibueze Omonugbo (Enugu State) – 373

• Tunmise Olawepo (Kwara State) – 373

• Leslie Afinotan (Delta State) – 373

• Chukwuemeka Azoyenime (Delta State) – 372

• Emmanuel Oyebode (Ogun State) – 372

• Cecil Omigie (Edo State) – 372

 

While congratulating these candidates, JAMB reiterated its commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity in the conduct of the UTME and all admission processes.

 

The outcome of the investigation into Chinedu Okeke’s case is expected to set a precedent as the Board continues its crackdown on examination malpractice and fraudulent admissions.