The Central University of Ecuador has raised concerns regarding potential alterations in the academic records of 19 students enrolled in the Medical program. This issue was brought to light during an extraordinary session of the Faculty of Medical Sciences' Governing Council, which took place on January 16, 2026. The Council convened specifically to address irregularities noted in the suspension grades for subjects including Pathology, Histology, Embryology, and Biochemistry. Reports indicated that the students, who had initially failed these courses, subsequently appeared to have passed them without any clear reason for the change in their grades.

An investigation conducted by the Department of Information and Technologies within the Faculty of Medical Sciences revealed that the unauthorized grade changes reportedly occurred on October 21 and 22, 2025. The alterations were allegedly made using a specific user ID, highlighting the use of possibly compromised access to academic records. This raises alarming questions about the integrity of the university’s grading system and the potential implications for academic credibility not only for the involved students but for the institution as a whole.

The findings of this investigation could lead to significant repercussions, including disciplinary actions against the students involved, as well as a broader examination of cybersecurity practices at the university. If evidence of wrongdoing is found, it may incite a wider discussion on academic integrity and the measures institutions need to take in safeguarding their databases against cyber threats. Such occurrences can undermine public trust in educational institutions, and therefore, it becomes critical for the Central University of Ecuador to address these issues promptly and transparently.