The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has come under fire after top UTME scorer, Chinedu Okeke, found himself at the center of a heated controversy. The brilliant student, who scored an impressive 375 out of 400 in the 2025 UTME, has been accused of being a “mercenary” — a claim that has sparked outrage on social media.
According to Educare boss, Alex Onyia, Chinedu is a 400-level medical student at UNN who decided to change his academic path to mechanical engineering by retaking JAMB. However, rather than being celebrated for his ambition and excellence, the young scholar is now facing allegations of academic deceit.
JAMB, in a fiery statement signed by its spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin, pushed back against claims of witch-hunting, calling the uproar “emotional blackmail.” The Board insists it is merely doing its due diligence, pointing out inconsistencies in Chinedu’s records — including a suspicious switch of state of origin from Lagos (Amuwo-Odofin LGA) to Anambra.
JAMB stressed that it’s not illegal to retake the UTME, but warned that “no candidate should exploit the system to the detriment of others.” The board says it’s awaiting formal clarification from UNN and will notify the Medical and Dental Council if Chinedu is confirmed to be double-enrolled.
Nigerians on X, however, aren’t having it. Many are asking: “Since when did retaking JAMB become a crime?” Some called for JAMB to focus on real issues rather than shaming a young Nigerian striving for academic growth.
