The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has accused Chinedu Okeke, the top scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), of identity fraud and irregularities in his university admission history.
Announcing the results during the 2025 policy meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, declared Okeke as the highest scorer with 375 points. According to the Board, John Ayuba from Gombe State followed closely with 374, while Olayinka Jimoh from Kwara State came third with 373.
Other top performers include Ayibo Roberts (Rivers), Chibueze Omonugbo (Enugu), Tunmise Olawepo (Kwara), and Leslie Afinotan (Delta), each scoring 373. Chukwuemeka Azoyenime (Delta), Emmanuel Oyebode (Ogun), and Cecil Omigie (Edo) also ranked highly with scores of 372.
Allegations and Investigations
Despite the recognition, JAMB has raised concerns about Chinedu Okeke’s identity. Prof. Oloyede revealed that Okeke, who applied to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos in 2025, was already admitted to study Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in a previous admission cycle.
Following a request for clarification from UNN, the university confirmed that Okeke is indeed a 400-level medical student currently enrolled and performing well. The discovery has ignited public debate, with many Nigerians questioning the fairness and accuracy of JAMB’s review process and urging protections for candidates potentially wrongfully accused.
Expert Criticises JAMB’s Actions
Education technology expert and CEO of Educare, Alex Onyia, publicly defended Okeke via a post on X (formerly Twitter). Onyia claimed that Okeke was one of many candidates affected by a technical error during the initial 2025 UTME and was rescheduled for a makeup exam, where he ultimately recorded the highest score.
According to Onyia, all required documents were submitted correctly and any inconsistencies in Okeke’s record were due to a previous error linked to his National Identification Number (NIN) profile. He stated that the anomalies had been resolved through official correction channels and urged JAMB to apologize for damaging the candidate’s reputation.
JAMB: We Rely on Verified Data, Not Emotions
In response to the backlash, JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to data integrity and institutional accountability. In a statement issued by Fabian Benjamin, Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, the Board described the public defense of Okeke as part of a concerning trend of placing personal interests over due process.
The Board refuted claims that Okeke is from Anambra State, asserting instead that he hails from Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area in Lagos State. According to JAMB, he used this Lagos-based identity during his 2021 UTME application and secured admission to UNN’s Medicine and Surgery program under Lagos State’s quota.
JAMB questioned the motive behind Okeke’s 2025 application using a different state of origin and course of study, suggesting a deliberate manipulation of records to benefit from Anambra State’s admission quota.
The Board dismissed the claim that it had retrieved incorrect information from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), instead alleging that Okeke deliberately altered his personal data ahead of the 2025 UTME—an action JAMB said has been indirectly acknowledged by some of his defenders.
Ongoing Review and Possible Sanctions
JAMB expressed concern that public discourse has focused more on emotional narratives than on verifiable facts. It criticized the social media-driven campaign surrounding Okeke’s case, emphasizing that the University of Nigeria has not issued any rebuttal to its findings.
Pending further verification, JAMB said it will continue to recognize Okeke as a current medical student but has notified the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for further scrutiny should the allegations prove valid.
The Board also accused Okeke of attempting to manipulate state quotas by switching his identity—from Lagos in 2021 to Anambra in 2025—thus unfairly displacing qualified candidates from both states.
JAMB concluded by reiterating its commitment to due process, transparency, and fair admissions, stating it will not be swayed by public pressure or sentimental advocacy.
