The College of Education, Warri, Delta State, has denied any involvement in the alleged sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate uncovered during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The institution stated that the alleged criminal activities of certain individuals should not be used to damage its reputation.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Vusi Owarieta Enakarhire, the college stressed that it neither approved nor supported any form of examination malpractice.
“The institution was not involved in the criminal activities reportedly carried out by certain individuals connected to the incident,” the statement said.
The college added that it “rejects in its entirety every act of examination malpractice, fraud, or unethical conduct capable of damaging the integrity of the nation’s educational system and the image of reputable academic institutions.”
Defending its reputation as a UTME host centre, the institution explained that its CBT centre had successfully hosted examinations for years, providing only approved facilities and technical support in line with national standards.
“At no time did the management authorise, support, encourage, or participate in any illegal activity connected with the examination process,” the statement added.
The institution also disclosed that staff members allegedly linked to the incident had been suspended, while their salaries were withheld pending the outcome of investigations and disciplinary procedures.
According to the college, “criminal actions carried out by individuals should not be misconstrued as the position, policy, or culture of the institution”, noting that no organisation is completely free from misconduct by a few individuals acting outside established ethical standards.
The school pledged continued cooperation with security agencies and examination authorities to ensure anyone found guilty is prosecuted according to the law.
The reaction follows an earlier statement by the Nigeria Police Force, which announced that operatives working alongside the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board uncovered and dismantled an alleged “technology-assisted examination malpractice syndicate” during the UTME at the college’s CBT centre in Warri.
Police said investigations revealed that unauthorised remote access was allegedly gained into candidates’ computer systems while the examination was ongoing.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the scheme, while investigations also uncovered the involvement of other examination centres suspected of engaging in similar activities.
According to the police, the affected examination results have been withdrawn pending the conclusion of investigations, while impacted candidates will be rescheduled for a mop-up examination.