JAMB issues important update to 2026 UTME candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) against altering their biodata after registration or engaging in multiple registrations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, the Board stressed that once candidates complete their registration using biodata supplied by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), no further changes will be allowed for the 2026 admission cycle.

“Once a candidate completes 2026 registration with biodata supplied by NIMC, subsequent changes of biodata would not be effected by JAMB for the 2026 admission. No change will be tolerated,” the Board said.

JAMB noted that updates from NIMC would only be considered under strict conditions, adding that affected candidates must go through a re-query process using Template 007 during the registration period.

The Board also warned against multiple registrations, stating that candidates are not permitted to register more than once. It explained that errors encountered during registration should be corrected through JAMB rather than by submitting a fresh application, as duplication invalidates all entries.

On identity integrity, JAMB prohibited the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) by a single candidate, warning that such actions—whether for impersonation or double registration—would attract severe sanctions.

Emphasising biometric compliance, the Board advised candidates to ensure that only their own ten fingers are correctly captured at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, noting that only candidates with successful biometric verification on examination day would be allowed to sit for the UTME or mock examination.

JAMB further cautioned against third-party interference, stating that parents, guardians, or proxies are not permitted to access or transact on candidates’ profiles. It warned that candidates who share their passwords or profile codes would be held responsible for any unauthorised changes.

The Board also made it compulsory for candidates to disclose any previous admissions or matriculation details during registration, adding that false declarations or non-disclosure would automatically invalidate their registration or prior admission.

Reiterating that registration is restricted to approved centres nationwide, JAMB disclosed that all centres would be monitored live from its headquarters, warning that any centre not under live monitoring would forfeit payment and risk having its registrations invalidated.

Registration for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry is scheduled to commence on January 26 and close on February 28, 2026.