The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has responded to widespread social media reactions surrounding Chinedu Okeke, a high-scoring candidate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), accusing some commentators of emotional blackmail and misinformation.
In an official statement signed by JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Board described the viral online defence of the candidate as “misleading” and “emotionally manipulative,” urging the public to focus on verified facts.
Identity and Admission History
According to JAMB, contrary to circulating claims that Chinedu hails from Anambra State, official records—backed by data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)—establish that he is from Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area in Lagos State.
In 2021, Chinedu reportedly applied for and gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Medicine and Surgery, and is currently in his fourth year of the programme. His registration details at the time confirmed his Lagos State origin and his eligibility under the state’s admission quota.
However, in 2025, Chinedu registered for UTME again, this time listing Anambra State as his state of origin and applying to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos. JAMB raised concerns over the inconsistency, citing potential manipulation of his biodata to gain undue advantage under another state’s admission quota.
Allegations of Data Tampering
JAMB has strongly denied allegations that it retrieved incorrect personal information from NIMC, insisting that it does not alter candidates’ submitted records. “The evidence suggests that Chinedu altered his earlier submitted data before registering for the 2025 UTME,” the statement read.
The Board clarified that the NIN-based registration process ensures a secure and verifiable identity chain for all candidates, adding that discrepancies in such data are subject to rigorous scrutiny. “We rely entirely on what candidates submit through NIMC. If those details are later changed, the responsibility lies squarely with the individual,” it stated.
Emotional Narratives vs Institutional Accountability
JAMB expressed disappointment that some members of the public have opted to build an emotional defence for Chinedu without seeking clarification from the University of Nigeria or reviewing established records. “Online advocates are chasing emotional stories instead of facts, and that’s dangerous for the integrity of our education system,” said Dr Benjamin.
The Board confirmed it has reached out to UNN, and as long as the university maintains that Chinedu remains an enrolled student, he would be treated with dignity and respect. However, should the evidence prove deliberate impersonation or double matriculation, his name will be forwarded to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for appropriate disciplinary action.
Commitment to Fairness and Integrity
Reaffirming its statutory mandate, JAMB insisted it is not witch-hunting anyone but is determined to block all attempts to game the system. “Chinedu’s actions deprived another deserving candidate from Lagos of admission in 2021. Now, in 2025, he seeks to benefit from Anambra’s quota,” the Board said.
“Such manipulation—if allowed to go unchecked—erodes the principles of equity, transparency, and justice that the education system is built upon.”
Dr Benjamin concluded by warning against trivialising misconduct in the name of sentiment. “When a nation normalises illegality, it lays the groundwork for systemic corruption and criminality,” he said.
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