JAMB questioned why a student in his penultimate year of medical studies would suddenly attempt to switch identity and course to Mechanical Engineering in 2025, suggesting manipulation of personal records.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has responded to a wave of social media narratives surrounding the case of Chinedu Okeke, a 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate, stressing its unwavering commitment to factual data and institutional accountability.
In a statement issued by JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Fabian Benjamin, the Board described recent commentaries defending Okeke as part of a disturbing trend where individuals elevate personal interests above due process, seeking to shield questionable actions rather than uphold truth.
Clarifying the facts, JAMB stated that Okeke is not from Anambra State as widely claimed, but from Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area in Lagos State.
He used this Lagos-based identity in 2021 when he took the UTME and subsequently gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he is currently a 400-level student.
JAMB questioned why a student in his penultimate year of medical studies would suddenly attempt to switch identity and course to Mechanical Engineering in 2025, suggesting manipulation of personal records.
The Board explained that all candidate identities are authenticated using the National Identification Number (NIN), and it does not alter any candidate-provided data.
The claim that JAMB retrieved wrong data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in 2021 was categorically dismissed as false. Instead, the examination body said that evidence indicates that Okeke altered his previously submitted records before registering for the 2025 examination—an action acknowledged even by his own supporters.
JAMB expressed concern that, rather than seeking the facts from relevant institutions, social media campaigners chose to exploit emotional angles, including reaching out to the candidate’s family. As of now, the university where Okeke is enrolled has not issued any contrary statement.
Pending further verification, particularly from the university, JAMB said it would continue to treat Okeke as a legitimate student but would notify the Medical and Dental Council for possible action should the irregularities be confirmed.
The Board also accused Okeke of taking advantage of Lagos State’s admission quota in 2021 and attempting to claim Anambra State status in 2025 to benefit from a separate quota, effectively depriving rightful candidates in both states.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and rule-based operations, JAMB stated that it would not be deterred by public noise or sentimental advocacy.
The statement read, "Firstly, it is inaccurate to assert that Chinedu Okeke hails from Anambra State. All available records indicate that he is from Amuwo-Odofin Local Government in Lagos State, where he sat for the 2021 UTME as he then claimed in his details filled with NIMC. Based on this, he gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and is currently in his fourth year.
"A review of his student records from the university has not yet contradicted this information and this as it were raises significant questions as to why a 400-level medical student would suddenly pivot to studying Mechanical Engineering in 2025 while still enrolled in his original programme, especially given the inconsistencies in his personal claims which should form his identity."
Benjamin said, "What kind of institution would JAMB be if it did not maintain accurate records to verify candidates’ claims? Which in instances of doubt, we must seek adequate explanations.
"At JAMB, a candidate’s identity is established through their National Identification Number (NIN). We do not modify or add to the information provided by candidates; hence, there should be no disputes regarding their identities.
"The assertion that JAMB retrieved incorrect details for Chinedu from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in 2021 is unequivocally false, aimed at fabricating a defence for his case.
"The evidence suggests that Chinedu altered his records as filled in 2021 prior to registering for the 2025 UTME, a fact confirmed by even his own advocates.
"To prevent the propagation of such baseless claims, the Board has partnered with NIMC to ensure the integrity of candidates’ data."
Allegation Of Unfair Treatment
An education technology expert and Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Alex Onyia, previously accused JAMB of unfairly targeting Okeke, the top scorer in the 2025 UTME, who scored 375 marks.
The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had raised concerns about Okeke’s result during the board’s 2025 policy meeting in Abuja, stating that the board “suspected foul play.”
Okeke, from Anambra State, had applied to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos.
However, the board claimed it discovered that he was previously admitted to study Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), raising questions about his current status.
Onyia countered these allegations, explaining that Okeke was one of several candidates affected by a widely reported system glitch during the 2025 UTME.
He said Okeke was forced to reprint his examination slip and take a repeat exam, where he eventually scored 375, the highest mark recorded this year.
The education expert traced the discrepancies in Okeke’s records to a 2021 data migration error involving the National Identification Number (NIN) platform.
According to him, the issues were corrected that same year through JAMB’s official data correction process, and Okeke’s profile currently reflects the accurate details.
“Chinedu filled all the required documents appropriately, and his updated details were transmitted to JAMB. The inconsistencies were not his doing,” Onyia stated.
He called on JAMB to conduct a thorough investigation and issue a public apology to Okeke, noting that the public questioning of his integrity was unjust and damaging.
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