UTME 2026: JAMB clarifies registration rules for students already in school

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has debunked claims that it is an offence for candidates to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE) while still enrolled in a tertiary institution.

JAMB made the clarification following widespread confusion over its registration guidelines.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Board’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, explained that while candidates are allowed to register for UTME or DE even if they are already in school, failure to disclose an existing matriculation status is an offence.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is not an offence for a candidate to register for UTME/DE while still enrolled in an institution,” Benjamin said.

“However, candidates are required to disclose their matriculation status where applicable. Failure to do so constitutes an offence.”

He explained that once a candidate secures a new admission through UTME or DE, any previous admission automatically becomes invalid, as the law does not permit candidates to hold two admissions at the same time.

JAMB said the directive is part of efforts to curb multiple matriculations, stressing that candidates found to have concealed their status risk losing both admissions.

The Board also disclosed that investigations have revealed that some already-admitted students engage in examination malpractice by posing as professional exam takers.

According to JAMB, mandatory disclosure will help the Board swiftly identify and sanction such candidates.

“Although the Board’s system can detect prior matriculation, any candidate discovered to have failed to disclose such status risks forfeiting both opportunities,” the statement warned.

JAMB urged parents and candidates to ignore misinformation and avoid individuals misleading them for selfish interests.