The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have reportedly apprehended 20 suspects in connection with the hacking of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results. The UTME is a computer-based test conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
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The suspects are believed to be part of a larger syndicate involving over 100 individuals who specialize in hacking the computer servers of various examination bodies, such as JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO). The group's objective was to compromise the integrity of the CBT system and cast doubt on the reliability of computer-based testing for future exams conducted by NECO and the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
One of the suspects confessed that they would install malicious software on the examination body's hardware, which would allow them to remotely access and manipulate JAMB's servers at specific targeted centers. The primary motivation for this hacking was to facilitate high scores for certain students who paid exorbitant fees ranging from N700,000 to N2 million.
Preliminary investigation findings indicated that several members of the syndicate operate private schools and colleges, using their insider knowledge to establish 'special centers' where they could illegally alter exam results for substantial financial gain. The arrests were made in a collaborative effort to combat exam malpractices and ensure the sanctity of the educational system in Nigeria.