Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has called for a swift and thorough investigation into suspected hackers targeting the website of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria’s tertiary education admissions body.
The directive, issued in May 2025, follows reports of unauthorized access attempts on JAMB’s online portal, which manages university admissions, result checking, and registration processes for millions of candidates annually. The suspected cyberattack raised alarms about the security of sensitive candidate data and the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
Uzodimma, speaking during a meeting with security and education officials in Owerri, emphasized the need to protect JAMB’s infrastructure, describing the hacking attempts as a threat to national education standards. Preliminary investigations suggest that the hackers, potentially operating from within and outside Nigeria, aimed to manipulate admission records or steal personal information for fraudulent purposes. The incident follows a rise in cyberattacks on Nigerian institutions, with JAMB’s portal being a high-value target due to its role in processing over two million applications yearly.
The governor has directed the Imo State Police Command to collaborate with the Department of State Services (DSS) and cybersecurity experts to identify and apprehend the culprits. JAMB has since enhanced its digital security measures, including multi-factor authentication and real-time monitoring, to prevent further breaches.
The incident has sparked public concern, with parents and candidates demanding accountability and assurances that the admission process remains fair. Uzodimma’s call for a speedy investigation reflects broader efforts to combat cybercrime in Nigeria, where digital infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable. The outcome of the probe could influence public trust in JAMB and prompt nationwide reforms in cybersecurity.