How Hackers Break Into CBT Center Servers

The Rise of Exam Malpractice in Nigeria's Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination

The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has become a focal point for concerns over widespread malpractice, particularly within Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres accredited by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Reports suggest that some operators of these CBT centres have been implicated in large-scale fraudulent activities, undermining the integrity of the examination process.

Investigations revealed that technical information was shared with individuals who then hacked into servers to manipulate the exam. This led to significant disruptions during the UTME, resulting in a high number of candidates scoring below the passing threshold. The incident sparked public outrage, with JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, expressing deep distress over the technical errors that affected scores.

In response to the growing concerns, authorities arrested 20 suspects in Abuja for hacking CBT centres. Later, JAMB raised alarms about the use of Artificial Intelligence to impersonate candidates and even falsely claim albinism as a means of cheating. By July, data from JAMB’s policy meeting highlighted that CBT centres in Imo and Anambra states were among the most involved in finger-pairing malpractices, with 19 centres exposed nationwide.

Technical Glitches and Fraudulent Practices

The situation escalated further when JAMB announced that 6,458 candidates were under investigation for technology-enabled malpractice. A 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infraction was formed to investigate the cases and submit its findings within 21 days.

According to a hacker named Ahmed, who has been involved in such activities for over a decade, the breaches of CBT servers are facilitated by centre operators who provide Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to hackers. These IP addresses allow unauthorized access to the servers, enabling mercenaries to take exams on behalf of candidates.

Ahmed explained that once an IP address is obtained, hackers can insert codes to gain access to the server. Candidates would be logged out deliberately, allowing mercenaries outside to take over their sessions. He noted that candidates are instructed to remain silent during this process, ensuring that the fraud goes undetected.

An education consultant corroborated these claims, stating that many CBT centres have compromised operators who enable these malpractices. The consultant emphasized that without insiders, it would be impossible to breach the servers. He added that parents often pay substantial sums to these centres, making it difficult for them to stop the fraudulent activities.

A CBT operator based in Lagos confirmed that some centres are aware of the compromises but choose not to act due to financial incentives. He mentioned that some centres have contacts within JAMB, which facilitates the fraudulent operations. However, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin denied the possibility of hacking the board’s website, stating that the system is locally connected and not internet-enabled.

Addressing the Concerns

Despite these claims, JAMB’s National President of the Computer Based Test Centre Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Austin Ohaekelem, acknowledged that not all CBT centres are involved in fraud. He pointed out that some technical glitches may be mistakenly labeled as deliberate acts of sabotage. Ohaekelem highlighted cases where network issues led to biometric capture errors, causing confusion during registration.

The Secretary of the Association of Tutorial School Operators in Oyo State, Ogundokun Olufunso, expressed concerns over desperate tactics used by students to bypass the system. He noted that while some students manipulated biometrics, others fell victim to errors beyond their control. Olufunso urged JAMB to maintain proper checks to reduce malpractice.

Emehinola Omodara, Director of Toppers Coaching Centre, called for a comprehensive review of JAMB’s systems to close loopholes that encourage malpractice. He emphasized the need for evidence-based allegations and suggested that JAMB should focus on internal improvements to restore public confidence.

Finally, Taiwo Folorunsho, founder of Campusinfo Consult Limited, stressed the importance of upgrading JAMB’s technology to effectively combat malpractice and address operational shortcomings. The ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure fair and transparent examination processes for all candidates.