Allegedly: Over 20 Arrested in Plot to Manipulate JAMB Computer-Based Exams, Syndicate Uncovered

 

Authorities from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended more than 20 suspects connected to a sophisticated hacking operation targeting the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The computer-based test (CBT), administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), came under attack from a well-organized syndicate believed to comprise over 100 individuals.

According to intelligence gathered, this syndicate specializes in breaching the digital infrastructure of major examination bodies, including JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO). Their primary objective is to sabotage the integrity of computer-based testing systems, ultimately undermining public confidence and deterring students from opting for digital examination methods in future assessments, such as those conducted by NECO and the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

Confessions from arrested suspects reveal a calculated modus operandi. The group reportedly installs malicious software directly onto hardware at selected examination centers. This attacking software enables remote access to JAMB’s servers, allowing hackers to manipulate exam results in real-time during ongoing tests. One suspect disclosed that the software could be activated at any targeted CBT location, granting the syndicate unprecedented control over the scoring process.

Financial incentives fuelled the operation, with special candidates paying between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million to secure inflated scores. These payments generated significant revenue for the group, which investigators found extends beyond hacking activities. Early inquiries uncovered that numerous syndicate members also own private schools and colleges, operating special centers where they exploit their influence over examination outcomes to amass substantial profits.

Sources close to the investigation have highlighted the syndicate’s broader aim: to discredit JAMB and the growing adoption of computer-based testing. By orchestrating repeated cyberattacks and undermining the system’s credibility, the group hopes to persuade educational stakeholders to revert to traditional pen-and-paper methods, where manipulation may be easier or less technologically traceable.

Security officials involved in the probe emphasized the complexity of the network, which spans multiple states and involves insiders with technical expertise and access to examination systems. The DSS and police continue to gather evidence and work towards dismantling the entire syndicate, anticipating that further arrests are imminent as investigations progress.

JAMB, for its part, has pledged to strengthen cybersecurity measures and collaborate with law enforcement to safeguard the UTME and other examinations from future breaches. The board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent admission process for all candidates.

The exposure of this elaborate hacking scheme marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize education assessment through technology. While computer-based testing offers numerous advantages, including faster processing of results and reduced cheating, this incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security protocols to protect the system’s integrity.

As the investigation unfolds, students and parents await reassurances that future exams will be conducted in a secure environment where results reflect genuine performance rather than manipulation. The government’s swift action against the syndicate sends a clear message that attempts to compromise national examinations will be met with decisive consequences.

This crackdown on exam hackers serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges facing digital transformation in education and the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability to uphold the trust of all stakeholders involved.