The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have issued a stern caution to candidates gearing up for the 2024 UTME against falling prey to counterfeit websites.
This cautionary advice was articulated during a collaborative press briefing held in Abuja on Saturday.
ACO Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, highlighted the proliferation of fraudulent websites crafted by unscrupulous entities with the sole aim of misleading candidates. He emphasized the necessity for candidates to be vigilant against these deceitful tactics.
Adejobi elucidated that these sham sites are meticulously designed to dupe unsuspecting candidates into divulging sensitive information such as registration numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers, which are then exploited for nefarious purposes.
“Both JAMB and the Nigeria Police Force vehemently denounce these fraudulent activities and emphasize our commitment to safeguarding the interests of candidates and upholding the integrity of the examination process,” stated Adejobi.
“We implore parents, guardians, and all concerned parties to ensure that candidates exclusively obtain their UTME Notification Slips from the Board’s authorized website: www.jamb.gov.ng. Candidates can conveniently print their slips from the comfort of their homes or visit any of the over 700 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide,” he added.
Adejobi underscored the Force’s familiarity with the strategies employed by fraudsters, particularly during the annual assessment and admission exercises, and affirmed that both organizations are actively educating candidates and the general populace about these deceptive practices.
“Any candidate who resorts to these counterfeit sites will inevitably be exposed to unreliable information and consequently risk exclusion from the impending exams,” cautioned Adejobi.
Candidates are strongly advised to procure their UTME Notification Slips before Friday, April 19, 2024, to access crucial examination details. Any website other than www.jamb.gov.ng offering UTME slip printing services is deemed fraudulent and intended to deceive candidates, he reiterated.
Additionally, candidates are urged to be cautious of websites offering ‘live’ questions and answers, as they are fraudulent and prohibited. Adejobi assured that the board is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to effectively address online scam-related issues.
He assured candidates and the public of the force’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process. Adejobi affirmed that the Inspector General of Police has instructed the NPF-NCCC to pursue scammers and fraudsters engaged in cyber-related crimes and the creation of phishing sites/portals.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the JAMB Spokesperson, reiterated the Board’s dedication to fulfilling its role and urged candidates to disregard any unsolicited messages, cautioning that they are likely scams aimed at defrauding candidates.
It is pertinent to note that the 2024 UTME is scheduled to commence on Friday, April 19, and conclude on Monday, April 29, 2024.