Ekiti State has joined the list of Nigerian states that recorded zero cases of impersonation during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This commendable feat has sparked positive reactions from residents, students, and education stakeholders, who attribute the success to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration and its firm stand on educational integrity and anti-malpractice policies.
According to official statistics released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while several states recorded incidents of impersonation, Ekiti stood out for its clean record, alongside a few others that also reported zero cases. This achievement has been widely seen as a reflection of effective monitoring and strict adherence to examination ethics in the state.
The Nigeria Education News team went live in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Saturday, July 16th, to engage directly with residents, students, and education officials on the matter. Many described the news as a welcome development and a source of pride for the state. They credited it to the government’s proactive educational policies and the general societal orientation against malpractice.
In a chat with Mrs. Oladele, a school principal in Ado-Ekiti, she expressed satisfaction over the UTME outcome, stating, “We have cultivated a system where students are consistently warned about the dangers of malpractice. Teachers, principals, and parents all have roles to play. I commend the governor for setting the tone from the top.”
Also speaking to the Nigeria Education News team, Mr. Adewale Fagbamila, a parent and civil servant, said, “In Ekiti, education has always been taken seriously. We grew up with values of honesty and hard work. This recent record is proof that we are maintaining those standards, even in modern times when examination fraud has become rampant in other places.”
Data from JAMB’s 2025 impersonation report shows concerning trends in other parts of the country. Anambra led with 30 arrests, followed by Delta (8), Rivers (7), Kano (6), Imo (6), and Abia (4). The South-East recorded the highest total number of impersonation arrests at 45 cases, while the South-South had 18, the North-West 12, the South-West 5, the North-Central 2, and the North-East 1. Although other states also recorded zero incidents like Ekiti, the accomplishment is still considered noteworthy given the challenges of enforcing exam integrity nationwide.
Students in Ado-Ekiti shared their thoughts as well. Tosin Adegbite, a UTME candidate, told our correspondent, “We know that in Ekiti, if you cheat, you are risking your future. JAMB officials and security agents are always alert, and our schools tell us from day one to avoid shortcuts.” Another student, Kemi Adebayo, said, “I’m proud to come from a state where honesty is still respected. Some of my friends in other states were worried about malpractice issues, but here, we just prepared and did our best.”
The Ekiti State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with school authorities, has implemented several initiatives to promote examination integrity. These include pre-exam orientation programs, anti-cheating campaigns, and the deployment of independent monitors during UTME and other standardized tests. Teachers and administrators are also trained to spot red flags during registration and examination processes.
Local civil society groups in Ado-Ekiti also applauded the state government’s stance. Mr. Akin Akomolafe, a member of the Education Integrity Watch Group, said, “We have been advocating for a malpractice-free education system, and this result from the 2025 UTME is a clear indication that change is possible. Ekiti is showing the rest of the country how it’s done.”
Education analysts point out that while the focus is often on academic achievements, the real test lies in how students attain those results. Integrity-based education, they say, is crucial for building a sustainable and credible academic system, one that can withstand both local and international scrutiny.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in a recent public statement, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ethical education and youth development. He emphasized that his goal is not just to produce graduates but to nurture future leaders who understand the value of honesty, diligence, and patriotism.
Residents in Ado-Ekiti are now calling on the government to maintain the momentum by expanding these anti-malpractice policies to cover all forms of assessments, including internal school exams and WAEC. They believe this will help sustain the culture of integrity beyond UTME.
As the 2025/2026 academic session approaches, stakeholders in Ekiti State are hopeful that the new record will inspire even greater vigilance and commitment to academic honesty. The people of Ekiti have sent a strong message: Excellence is only meaningful when achieved through integrity.
