Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail: What It Means For Your JAMB Safety

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N50 million bail to Arinze Nwogba, the man accused of impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina. Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled on Thursday that the alleged offences were bailable and not punishable by death.

For you as a JAMB candidate, this case is not just news. It is a warning. The faike JAMB registrar allegedly used the real registrar’s name and photos to promise fake contracts, but the same tricks are used on students every admission season. Here is what happened, and how to protect yourself.

What The Court Decided

Justice Ibrahim admitted Nwogba to bail with two sureties in like sum. The conditions are strict. One surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 14. Both sureties must live in the Federal Capital Territory, with one residing in Asokoro, Maitama, or Guzape. Each surety must submit an affidavit of means, tax clearance certificates for the past two years, and copies of their national identification slips.

The judge ordered that Nwogba remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until he perfects the bail terms. The case was adjourned until October 19 for trial. The Inspector-General of Police is prosecuting him on a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026.

How The Alleged Scam Worked

According to the prosecution, Nwogba and others now at large allegedly impersonated Prof. Aina using his photograph on WhatsApp and Truecaller. They published the phone number 08139433155 on LinkedIn and directed victims to contact them only through WhatsApp.

The fraudsters allegedly claimed the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme. They introduced a “personal assistant” named Dr Stephen Igwe to handdle the contract. They demanded N900,000 as “handshake” money, then another N3 million for the Permanent Secretary and Minister of Education. An Access Bank account belonging to Edeh Chimezie Benedict was provided for payment.

Nwogba was arrested in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. He allegedly confessed that the account details belonged to his late nephew and that he forwarded them to his cousin, Nnabuiife Nwekpa of Onitsha, Anambra State. Police say Nwekpa, described as the alleged fake JAMB registrar, is still at large.

What This Means For Your JAMB Journey

JAMB does not ask you to pay money to any personal account for admission, result upgrading, or contract awards. Every official payment goes through the JAMB portal or approved banks. If anyone sends you a WhatsApp message claiming to be Prof. Segun Aina or any JAMB official, treat it as fraud.

The board’s real registrar does not use WhatsApp to offer contracts or ask for handshake money. The petition that started this case came from the registrar himself, after he discovered his identity was being used without his knowledge.

How To Spot A Fake JAMB Official

First, check the contact channel. JAMB communicates through its official website, jamb.gov.ng, and verified social media pages. It does not publish random phone numbers on LinkedIn for urgent payments.

Second, check the request. Any message asking for “handshake,” “processing fee,” or “bribe for officials” is a scam. Legitimate admission processes do not require bribes.

Third, verify the name. If someone claims to b e a JAMB official, search the name on the JAMB website. Prof. Segun Aina is the actual registrar, but scammers use real names to gain trust.

Fourth, watch for pressure. Scammers create urgency. They say the offer expires today or that slots are limited. Slow down and verify.

What To Do If You Are Contacted

Do not send money. Do not share your JAMB profile code, registration number, or bank details. Report the number to JAMB and to the police. The police have a cybercrime reporting line, and the Ogun State Command recently advised citizens to verify social media accounts before engaging with them.

If you have already paid, report immediately. The earlier you report, the better the chance of tracking the transaction. Keep screenshots of every message and payment receipt.

Your Daily Safety Plan

Spend five minutes today to secure your JAMB profile. Change your password. Enable two-factor authentication if available. Save the official JAMB website and support lines. Then, tell one friend or family member about this scam so they do not fall for it.

Every admission season, fraudsters target desperate candidates. The N50 million bail granted to the alleged fake JAMB registrar shows the courts take these cases seriously. But your best defence is knowledge. Stay alert, verify everything, and never pay money to anyone promising you admission or contracts through WhatsApp.

For the full court report, see Vanguard. For more details on the bail conditions, read The Whistler. Another report is available at The Real Media NG.

Remember: your future is not for sale. Protect it.

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JAMB is working towards establishing a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada, expected to commence operations in 2027. For Nigerians in Canada and across North America, this means you may no longer need to fly home just to sit for the UTME.

The announcement followed a visit by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, where the proposed centre was discussed with Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

According to MSME Africa, the proposed JAMB UTME centre in Ottawa will allow eligible Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME without travelling to Nigeria solely for the examination.

Who Is Eligible to Use the Ottawa Centre

JAMB says the centre is aimed at Nigerians in the diaspora seeking admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. If you are a Nigerian living in Canada or anywhere in North America and you want to apply to a Nigerian school, this centre is designed for you.

The Board already conducts the UTME in about 10 foreign countries as a service to candidates. These include the United Kingdom, South Africa, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire.

What is new is North America. According to TVC News, JAMB previously had no UTME centre in North America. The Ottawa centre would extend that international examination network to the continent.

How Registration Will Work

Foreign candidates currently pay $30, or its equivalent in local currency, for UTME registration. Nigerian embassies, high commissions and consulates in the respective countries provide guidance to Nigerians on registration and examination procedures.

JAMB Registrar Prof. Segun Aina explained that the Board does not necessarily need to acquire or rent a permanent facility for the Ottawa centre. Instead, JAMB works with Nigerian diplomatic missions, using temporary spaces within High Commission premises and support from diplomatic staff to administer the examination.

Aina added that no money had been spent on the proposed Canadian centre so far, explaining that discussions began during his visit to Canada for a conference. He stressed that the initiative is primarily about expanding access to education rather than generating revenue.

Why JAMB Is Doing This

JAMB says the JAMB UTME centre in Ottawa will reduce the barriers faced by Nigerians abroad who wish to pursue tertiary education in Nigeria. The Board also sees it as a way to strengthen the connection between Nigerians in the diaspora and the Nigerian education system.

“For Nigerians in Canada, the UTME is coming closer to home,” JAMB said in its announcement.

JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin said the Board had already received indications of interest from more than 100 candidates who wish to sit for the UTME in Canada. That suggests a real pool of Nigerians in Canada who want to access Nigerian tertiary education without returning home specifically to write the entrance examination.

What It Costs and What It Does Not

Aina was clear that the number of candidates is not the main consideration in establishing foreign examination centres. He said the objective is to make access to Nigerian tertiary education easier for eligible candidates living outside the country.

For context, only 379 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME at the existing 10 foreign centres. Despite that low number, JAMB says it is not backing away from the Ottawa plan.

The cost model is also lean. By using space within the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa rather than renting or building a permanent facility, JAMB keeps the initiative’s cost low.

What This Means for Nigerian Universities

Beyond making UTME easier to access, JAMB says the Ottawa initiative could provide Nigerian tertiary institutions with greater opportunities to connect with Nigerians living abroad. It is also a chance to showcase Nigeria’s higher education offerings internationally.

For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, JAMB and other stakeholders approved 150 as the minimum benchmark for admission into universities, while 100 was approved for polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education and colleges of agriculture.

Other Reforms Coming in 2027

The Ottawa centre is not the only change coming. JAMB plans to introduce critical thinking and life skills into the UTME from 2027. The Board says assessment should go beyond subject knowledge and evaluate competencies required by students to function effectively in a changing world.

JAMB also outlined reforms including J-Care, a customer service and support platform designed to handle candidates’ complaints, enquiries and record-recovery requests. Through the JAMB Support Portal, candidates will be able to create tickets relating to admissions, profile records and registration issues.

The Board says complaints should be resolved within periods ranging from minutes and hours to a maximum of three days, in line with the SERVICOM charter.

What You Should Do Now

The Ottawa UTME centre is expected to begin operations from the 2027 UTME, subject to the completion of necessary arrangements between JAMB and the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.

If you are a Nigerian in Canada or North America planning to apply to a Nigerian university, polytechnic or college of education, start preparing now. Confirm your eligibility, monitor JAMB’s official channels for registration dates, and reach out to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa for guidance on procedures.

No registration window has been announced yet. Do not pay anyone who claims to be processing Ottawa UTME registration. Wait for official JAMB communication, then act.

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You want to pass your WAEC exams with the grades that open university doors. The appointment of Suleiman Kum as the new Head of the Nigeria National Office is not just news for administrators. It changes how your exams are secured, delivered, and marked. Here is what you must know and how to adjust your study strategy.

WAEC Appoints Kum as New Head of Nigeria Office: What It Means for Your Exam

The West African Examinations Council has officially announced the appointment of 56-year-old Suleiman Kum as the Head of the Nigeria National Office. He succeeds Dr Amos Dangut, whose 3 year tenure expired on October 1, 2026. Dangut has since assumed office as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of WAEC.

Kum is not a stranger to the exam hall. He joined WAEC on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II and rose through the ranks to Senior Deputy Registrar in 2024. Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Registrar in the HNO’s office and as Senior Deputy Registrar, Test Administration, until the end of August.

The Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, described him as a seasoned test developer, administrator, and executive. For you as a candidate, that means the person now in charge understands test development, examination security, and how papers are administered from the inside.

Why This Matters for Your Exam Security and Results

Kum’s track record is built on tightening the system. He pioneered Variable Data Printing and enhanced code-security features in security printing. He replaced council-wide attendance systems with facial-recognition biometric devices. He also led the seamless delivery of Achievement Tests using the Computer-Based Examination mode.

What does this mean for you? Expect stricter identity checks at your exam center. Your face and your registration details must match. Impersonation is becoming harder. If you are registered for the CBE mode, you must be comfortable with a computer screen, not just a paper booklet.

According to Punch, Kum was particularly noted for pioneering these innovations. The same report notes he has extensive knowledge of test development, test administration, examination security, and branch and zonal office management.

Your Strategy: Prepare for a Tighter, More Digital WAEC

First, treat your registration data like your exam pass. Your name, date of birth, and passport photograph must be consistent across all your documents. With facial-recognition biometric devices in play, any mismatch can delay you at the gate.

Second, practice with computer-based tests. Kum led the delivery of Achievement Tests through CBE. Even if your school still uses paper, the direction is clear. Use free online CBT platforms for subjects like Mathematics, English, Biology, and Government. Time yourself. Aim to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes.

Third, focus on past questions. The new HNO is a test developer. WAEC questions follow patterns. If you solve the last 10 years of past questions for each subject, you will recognize the style, the traps, and the repeated topics. This is not a guarantee, but it is the closest thing to a reliable strategy.

Fourth, avoid exam malpractice. Kum’s career was built on examination security. He served as Head of Exams Security in Awka, Yola, and Makurdi. He was Branch Controller in Gusau and Kano. He knows every trick. The risk is not worth it. A cancelled result is worse than a failed one.

What the New HNO’s Background Tells You About His Priorities

Kum hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State. He was born on October 16, 1970, in Minna, Niger State. He attended Baptist High School, Jos, where he obtained his General Certificate of Education in 1986/1987. He earned a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 1992.

He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria in 2025 and is currently completing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning at NOUN. This tells you he values continuous learning. You should too. WAEC is not the end. It is the bridge to your next level.

According to Premium Times, Kum began his professional career in 1993 during his NYSC deployment at the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later taught at Baptist High School, Jos, between 1995 and 1998 as a form master, labour master, classroom teacher, and health master. He received the Light and Life Staff Merit Award in 1998.

This teaching background matters. He has stood in front of a classroom. He understands the pressure you face. But he also understands the need for credible results.

Practical Daily Study Plan for WAEC Under the New Leadership

You need a plan that works whether your exam is paper-based or computer-based. Here is a simple daily routine.

Morning: 30 minutes of past questions. Pick one subject per day. Solve 20 objective questions. Mark yourself. Write down every mistake in a notebook.

Afternoon: 30 minutes of theory practice. Take one theory question from your weakest subject. Write a full answer under timed conditions. Use the WAEC marking scheme to score yourself.

Evening: 20 minutes of CBT practice. Use your phone or a computer. Practice navigating between questions, submitting, and checking your time. If you are not used to a mouse and keyboard, start today.

Weekend: One full mock exam. Use a past WAEC paper. Sit for the full duration. No phone. No distractions. This builds stamina.

The new WAEC leadership under Suleiman Kum is focused on technology, security, and credibility. Your job is to be prepared, honest, and consistent. According to BusinessDay, Kum’s hobbies include travelling, swimming, reading, and watching movies. He is married with children. He is human. But his mandate is serious.

Your action for today: Open your past question booklet. Solve 20 questions in your weakest subject. Mark them. Write down the topics you failed. That is your study list for tomorrow. Do it again the next day. By the time you enter that exam hall, you will be ready for whatever WAEC appoints Kum as new Head of Nigeria Office brings to your centre.

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