The Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) say they have uncovered a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate accused of compromising the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Delta State.

According to authorities, three suspects were arrested following intelligence-led operations linked to alleged cyber-assisted examination fraud at the College of Education, Warri.

Police said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue into what officials described as a wider network targeting Nigeria’s computer-based examination system.

How the alleged malpractice was uncovered

In a statement issued on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said investigators discovered that unauthorized remote access was gained into candidates’ computer systems during the examination.

The operation, carried out jointly with JAMB, reportedly followed digital forensic investigations into attempts to manipulate the examination process.

“Unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the exercise was ongoing,” the statement said.

Authorities believe additional examination centres may also have been involved in similar activities.

As a result, JAMB has withdrawn results from affected centres pending the outcome of investigations.

Candidates affected by the decision are expected to sit for a mop-up examination in line with existing procedures.

Why it matters

The UTME is Nigeria’s main entrance examination for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Any breach of the examination system could affect thousands of students and raise broader concerns about the integrity of computer-based testing in the country.

In recent years, JAMB has invested heavily in technology and biometric verification systems to reduce impersonation and examination malpractice.

However, cyber-assisted fraud and remote system manipulation remain emerging threats as criminal networks adopt more sophisticated digital methods.

Education analysts say the latest development highlights the growing need for stronger cybersecurity measures in Nigeria’s examination system.

Reactions and public concerns

Parents and students have expressed concerns online over the withdrawal of examination results, particularly for candidates who may not have been directly involved in malpractice.

Some education stakeholders have also called for transparency in the ongoing investigations to ensure innocent candidates are not unfairly penalised.

Police warning to examination centres

The Nigeria Police Force warned candidates, operators of examination centres, and collaborators against engaging in examination malpractice or cyber-related fraud.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” the statement added.

The police did not disclose the identities of the arrested suspects or provide details of the specific technology allegedly used in the operation.

What happens next?

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expected to determine the full scope of the alleged malpractice network.

JAMB is also likely to intensify monitoring and cybersecurity checks across examination centres nationwide ahead of future examinations and mop-up tests.

For affected candidates, the board says rescheduled examinations will be conducted according to established procedures.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged deeper collaboration with Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, as both institutions seek to strengthen research, infrastructure, and student development in Nigeria’s capital.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the commitment during a meeting with the university’s management team in Abuja on Tuesday.

The visit was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Fawehinmi, who sought renewed cooperation in areas including ICT infrastructure, transportation, border management studies, and professional training.

Why the partnership matters

The renewed alliance comes at a time when many Nigerian public universities are struggling with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and limited funding.

Yakubu Gowon University, the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, currently has nearly 40,000 undergraduate students, according to the institution.

Speaking during the meeting at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, Adeniyi said the relationship between both institutions stretches back several years.

“I have a long institutional history with this university. During my tenure as Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, we made serious efforts to formalise a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding,” he said.

He added that the agreement was close to being signed before leadership changes stalled the process.

The Customs chief also highlighted previous interventions by the Service, including the donation of a 32-seater bus and the establishment of a computer centre with nearly 100 workstations.

“These were deliberate efforts aimed at building lasting institutional partnerships,” Adeniyi stated.

Focus on infrastructure and student impact

Adeniyi said future support from the Customs Service would prioritise projects with measurable impact on students and the learning environment.

“For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps,” he said.

He noted that the agency could adopt a phased implementation strategy if multiple projects are approved.

“If there are multiple projects and we are unable to execute everything at once, we can adopt a phased approach and focus on priority areas that will make the greatest difference.”

The Customs boss also stressed the importance of building a university in Abuja that reflects the status of Nigeria’s capital city.

“It is important for us to have a university in Abuja that truly reflects the status of Nigeria’s capital. I am willing to work with you in that regard.”

University seeks strategic collaboration

Earlier, Professor Fawehinmi praised the Nigeria Customs Service for supporting federal government reforms and national development efforts.

“We have come with the highest level of leadership of the university to congratulate you and appreciate the tremendous work being done by the Nigeria Customs Service under your leadership,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university urgently needs support in transportation, research facilities, and digital infrastructure to cope with growing student demand.

“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity.”

He also proposed collaboration between the Customs Service and the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies.

According to him, potential areas of partnership include border management, migration studies, executive training, and national security research.

“We are ready to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service. The real beneficiaries of such collaboration will be young Nigerians who represent the future leadership of this country.”

Expert perspective

Education analysts say partnerships between government institutions and universities are becoming increasingly important as tertiary institutions face funding constraints.

Public policy experts note that collaborations involving ICT infrastructure, security studies, and research development could help universities align more closely with national economic and security priorities.

They also argue that practical partnerships with agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service may improve students’ exposure to real-world policy and operational systems.

What’s next?

Both institutions are expected to continue discussions on formalising areas of collaboration, potentially reviving earlier plans for a Memorandum of Understanding.

The partnership may also lead to joint training programmes, research initiatives, and infrastructure projects aimed at improving educational standards and institutional capacity.

A UK-backed professional certification scheme has been launched in Lagos, marking a new step in Nigeria’s drive to boost workforce competitiveness through globally recognised skills validation.

Goodmus Learning Centre says it has begun conducting the Global Competency Assessment (GCA), an international certification designed to test real-world skills rather than theoretical knowledge.

The centre’s Managing Director, Dr Adekunle Badmus, confirmed that the first round of exams has already been completed, with monthly assessments now scheduled.

“GCA is about measuring what truly matters in today’s workforce — practical skills, applied knowledge, and performance. It is not just certification; it is validation of global competence,” he said.

The exams were supervised by UK-based education experts, a move the centre says reinforces the credibility and international alignment of the certification.

Why it matters

The launch comes at a time when employers globally are placing increasing emphasis on demonstrable skills over traditional academic qualifications.

Analysts say competency-based certifications like GCA could help bridge Nigeria’s long-standing gap between education and employability.

Shortages of job-ready skills have been widely cited as a barrier to economic growth, particularly among young graduates entering the labour market.

By focusing on what candidates can actually do, rather than what they have studied, the GCA aims to offer a clearer benchmark for employers.

“Employers need clarity on what candidates can actually do, not just what they studied. GCA provides that clarity by setting a clear, trusted standard,” Badmus added.

How the certification works

The Global Competency Assessment evaluates candidates strictly within their areas of expertise.

It spans multiple sectors, including:

Business

Technology

Education

Security

Entrepreneurship

The framework is built on three pillars:

Alignment with international standards

Competency-based evaluation

Data-driven assessment

Successful candidates receive certification that can be recognised across 32 countries, potentially improving access to global employment and collaboration opportunities.

Industry reactions

Industry observers say the initiative could reshape hiring practices in Nigeria.

Workforce development experts note that competency-based assessments are gaining traction worldwide, particularly in sectors where practical ability is critical.

They argue that adopting such frameworks locally could make Nigerian professionals more competitive in international labour markets.

Organisations may also benefit, as the certification can be used to assess staff capabilities, identify skills gaps, and improve workforce performance.

Expansion plans

Goodmus Learning Centre says the Lagos rollout is only the beginning.

The institution plans to expand access to the certification across Nigeria and is seeking partnerships with organisations interested in workforce development.

“Competence is universal. What GCA does is ensure that your competence is recognised anywhere in the world,” Badmus said.

What’s next

With monthly assessments now in place, more Nigerian professionals are expected to enrol in the coming months.

If widely adopted, the certification could play a role in shaping how skills are measured, recognised, and rewarded across the country.