JAMB denies claims of targeting highest scorer, Chinedu Okeke

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has denied accusations that it is unfairly targeting Chinedu Okeke, the highest scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), who achieved a remarkable 375 out of 400

The controversy erupted after Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, revealed that Okeke—currently a medical student—was facing allegations of impersonation, with some accusing him of acting as a mercenary candidate. Onyia explained that Okeke had chosen to retake the exam in order to switch his course from Medicine and Surgery to Mechanical Engineering, having struggled to align with his initial career path.

The situation quickly sparked debate online, with many Nigerians rallying in support of the student and accusing JAMB of unjust scrutiny. In response, the examination body issued a strongly worded statement dismissing the backlash as “emotional blackmail.”

JAMB clarified that official records from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) still show Okeke as an active 400-level student in Medicine and Surgery. The board said it had received no formal notification from the university suggesting otherwise.

In its statement, JAMB wrote:

“First of all, it is not true to say that Chinedu Okeke is from Anambra State. All available records indicate that he is from Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, where he sat for the 2021 UTME, as captured in his NIMC records.

“Based on that, he gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery at UNN and is currently in his fourth year. A review of his student records from the university has not contradicted this information.”

The Board questioned why a 400-level medical student would suddenly switch to mechanical engineering in 2025 while still being enrolled in his original program. It also cited “inconsistencies” in his personal details submitted to JAMB, which, it claims, cast doubt on his motives.

“Once we receive formal confirmation from UNN that he has officially withdrawn or is no longer a student, we will notify the Medical and Dental Council to consider delisting him. Until then, we will continue to treat Chinedu with the dignity he deserves as a bona fide student of a Nigerian university.”

JAMB further accused Okeke of exploiting loopholes in the system:

“The facts are clear: Chinedu took advantage of Lagos State’s admission quota in 2021, blocking opportunities for other deserving candidates. In 2025, he attempted to alter his identity to claim representation from Anambra State, which is misleading and against the spirit of fairness.”

The Board concluded by affirming its commitment to transparency and integrity in its processes:

“As a statutory agency, JAMB will not be swayed by the antics of attention-seekers. Our responsibility is to ensure that those who seek to lead this country tomorrow are upright in both learning and character.”

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