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CHINEDU OKEKE 1.docx
CHINEDU OKEKE: A TALE OF EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been compelled to address a series of misleading narratives circulating on social media. These narratives reflect a troubling trend where certain individuals elevate themselves to the status of demigods in institutional matters, often defending wrongful actions instead of advocating for integrity and accountability.
As a regulatory agency, JAMB operates on the foundation of facts and data, not emotions. In the case of Chinedu Okeke, a candidate from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the facts are straight, clear and different from what has been portrayed by some interests out there.
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. 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. It is profoundly disappointing that individuals, for reasons known only to themselves, would resort to defaming an organization fulfilling its legal obligations at every opportunity.
Moreover, these online advocates have been actively reaching out to Chinedu’s parents to extract emotional narratives rather than factual clarifications, neglecting to seek information directly from the university. As of now, the university has not stated anything to the contrary. Once we receive such confirmation, we will promptly notify the Medical and Dental Council to consider delisting him, until that is done, the Board would continue to treat Chinedu with all the dignity he deserves as a bona fide student of one of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
As a statutory agency, JAMB remains committed to its mandate of ensuring that no candidate exploits loopholes for personal gain. The facts are clear: Chinedu took advantage of Lagos State’s quota in 2021, thereby obstructing the admission opportunities for other deserving candidates from the state. Furthermore, he attempted to manipulate his details with the NIMC to unjustly claim representation from Anambra State in 2025.
The Board will not be swayed by the antics of attention-seekers as it diligently performs its duty to ensure that our future leaders are truly deserving in both learning and character. We are not engaged in witch-hunting; rather, we refuse to allow candidates who aspire to leadership roles act in ways that are unbecoming. When a nation trivializes illegalities, it breeds a future fraught with potential criminality.
Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D.,
PCA, JAMB
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