Photo File: JAMB Logo

Okeke Chinedu, a candidate from Anambra State, has emerged as the top scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with a total of 375 marks. However, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has launched a probe into discrepancies surrounding his identity and academic history.

Speaking at the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that while Okeke applied for Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, JAMB’s records show that he was admitted into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to study Medicine four years ago.

“We wrote to UNN for clarification, and they confirmed that Okeke was admitted and is currently doing well in the medical programme,” Oloyede stated. “There is, however, no official record showing that he was ever withdrawn.”

In response to the finding, the board has contacted the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure that Okeke is not allowed to practice medicine unless the issue is resolved.

Meanwhile, the list of top scorers released by the board includes Ayuba Simon-Peter, who scored 374 to come second, and a tie among six candidates who scored 373: Jimoh Abdulmalik, Roberts Damiete, Ononugbo Chigozirim, Olawepo Gertrude, Afinotan Leslie, Azoyenime Samuel, and Oyebode Oluwapelumi.

Also during the meeting, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reiterated that the minimum age for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions remains 16 years.

More details to follow…

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