JAMB Accuses 2025 UTME Top Scorer Chinedu Okeke of Identity Manipulation, Multiple Admissions Fraud

He scored 375 of the available 400 marks (in English, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics). 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has raised serious allegations against Chinedu Okeke, the top scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), accusing him of identity manipulation and falsifying records to obtain multiple university admissions.

In a detailed statement released by JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board dismissed online narratives painting Okeke as a victim, insisting the facts point to deliberate actions aimed at exploiting the country’s higher education admission system.

Identity Discrepancies and Dual Admissions

According to JAMB, Chinedu Okeke is officially registered as a native of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area in Lagos State, contrary to the popular belief that he hails from Anambra State.

 

 

TJ News Nigeria learned that Okeke used his Lagos State identity to gain admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 2021 to study Medicine and Surgery. He is currently a 400-level medical student at the institution.

However, JAMB noted that in 2025, the same Okeke registered for UTME again using a new identity—this time claiming Anambra State origin and applying to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos.

Manipulation Through NIN Records

JAMB emphasized that all candidate data is authenticated through the National Identification Number (NIN), and it neither alters nor supplements candidate-provided information. The board dismissed claims that NIMC (National Identity Management Commission) supplied incorrect records in 2021, calling such assertions “baseless and diversionary.”

“The facts show that Mr. Okeke manipulated his previously submitted identity details. Even some of his defenders have acknowledged this,” the statement read.

 

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TJ News Nigeria can authoritatively report that JAMB has partnered closely with NIMC to track and verify any irregularities in candidate data submissions. According to the board, any contradiction in identity from 2021 to 2025 must be scrutinized.

Violation of Admission Quotas

Beyond identity alteration, JAMB accused Okeke of trying to exploit state admission quotas for personal gain. In 2021, he utilized Lagos State quota to secure admission into UNN. In 2025, he attempted to benefit from Anambra State’s quota by switching his state of origin—potentially depriving legitimate candidates from both states of admission opportunities.

“This is not a minor error; it is a calculated attempt to game the system,” JAMB’s spokesperson said.

Pending University Verification

While acknowledging that Okeke remains enrolled at UNN, JAMB said it would refer the case to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for further investigation should the allegations be substantiated.

As of press time, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka has not issued any official rebuttal or clarification concerning Okeke’s status, leaving the Board’s findings uncontested.

Social Media Backlash and Allegations of Bias

Amid public outcry and accusations of bias, some Nigerians have accused JAMB of targeting Okeke unfairly. One of the most vocal critics is education technology expert and CEO of Educare, Alex Onyia.

Onyia alleged that JAMB’s actions amounted to character assassination, arguing that the board should issue a public apology to the young candidate. He claimed Okeke was affected by a system glitch during the 2025 UTME, which forced him to reprint his slip and resit the exam—eventually scoring the top mark of 375.

JAMB Registrar Suspected Foul Play

At the 2025 policy meeting held in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, openly questioned Okeke’s integrity, citing “possible foul play” in his examination history.

Onyia responded by insisting the discrepancies stemmed from a 2021 data migration error on the NIN platform, which was reportedly corrected that same year through JAMB’s data correction process.

He further explained that Chinedu’s updated records were officially transmitted to JAMB and now reflect accurate, verified data.

“Chinedu filled all the necessary documentation. The inconsistencies were not his doing, and it is unfair to damage his reputation based on incomplete information,” Onyia said.

JAMB Stands Firm on Due Process

Despite public criticism, JAMB reaffirmed its position, stating it will not be pressured into overlooking facts or abandoning due process in favor of emotional appeals.

Dr. Benjamin warned against undermining public institutions through social media campaigns, stressing that any credible defense must be rooted in verifiable evidence, not sentimental narratives.

“The role of JAMB is to maintain the integrity of the admissions process. We have a responsibility to all Nigerians to ensure that no individual—no matter how intelligent or connected—is allowed to subvert the rules,” he said.

Key Allegations Against Chinedu Okeke

• Claimed different states of origin in 2021 (Lagos) and 2025 (Anambra)
• Already admitted and enrolled in Medicine at UNN while reapplying for Mechanical Engineering
• Allegedly manipulated personal records during 2025 UTME registration
• Took advantage of multiple state quotas to secure university admissions
• Used corrected NIN data from 2021 to obscure prior identity details

What Happens Next?

Pending the outcome of further investigations by the University of Nigeria and the Medical and Dental Council, JAMB says it will treat Okeke as a registered medical student. However, it reserves the right to take regulatory action should the allegations be confirmed.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector are calling for calm, urging the public to allow relevant authorities to complete their inquiries.

TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing story.