JAMB, Police issue warning against fake websites for 2024 UTME candidates

By Sodiq Adelakun

In a joint effort to safeguard the integrity of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the police have issued a stern warning to candidates, cautioning them against engaging with fake websites.

During a joint news conference held in Abuja on Saturday, representatives from both JAMB and the police emphasized the prevalence of fraudulent websites designed to deceive unsuspecting candidates.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, highlighted the existence of numerous fake platforms created by unscrupulous individuals with the sole aim of misleading hopeful candidates.

As the countdown to the UTME continues, authorities urge candidates to exercise vigilance and verify the authenticity of websites offering registration services or exam-related information. With the stakes high for thousands of aspiring students, the collaboration between JAMB and law is seen as a welcome development.

He called on candidates to be wary of their tactics, stressing that the fake web sites were designed to deceive innocent candidates into providing personal details such as registration numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers.

“Both JAMB and the Nigeria Police Force condemn these fraudulent activities and hereby reiterate the readiness to safeguard the interests of candidates and maintain the integrity of the examination process.

“We urge parents, guardians, and all stakeholders to ensure that candidates print their UTME Notification Slips only from the Board’s approved website: www.jamb.gov.ng,” he said.

Adejobi pointed out that the force was familiar with the tactics employed by fraudsters, especially during the annual assessment and admission exercises.

He, therefore, said that both organisations were actively sensitising candidates and the public about these deceptive practices.

“Any candidate who visits these fake sites will definitely have unreliable information and thereby miss out on the forthcoming exams.

“Any website other than www.jamb.gov.ng offering UTME slip printing services is fake and designed to defraud candidates,” he said.

On his part, the JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, assured of the Board’s commitment to continue playing its role.

He, therefore, urged candidates to ignore any unsolicited messages noting that they were from elements who aim at defrauding candidates.

Recall that the 2024 UTME is scheduled to commence on Friday, April 19, and end on April 29.