JAMB Mandates Admission Status Declaration for 2026 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a new policy for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration. Under the updated process, all candidates will now be required to declare their current admission status — whether they are already students of any tertiary institution in Nigeria or abroad.

This move by JAMB is aimed at curbing impersonation and examination malpractice, which were found to be common among candidates during the 2025 UTME.

Why JAMB Introduced the New Rule

According to data from the 2025 UTME Infraction Report, over 90% of candidates caught in malpractice cases were already students of other tertiary institutions. These individuals attempted to exploit the examination system for unauthorised or fraudulent purposes.

To address this issue, JAMB has instructed all relevant departments to include a compulsory field in the 2026 UTME registration template. This field will require every applicant to clearly state their current studentship status before completing the registration process.

Penalties for False Declarations

Candidates who fail to declare their true status or provide false information risk strict penalties. Such actions could lead to:

• Cancellation of current registration
• Withdrawal of any previously granted admission
• Possible prosecution under existing laws

This directive serves as an early warning to prospective candidates that JAMB will not tolerate actions that compromise the credibility of its examinations or the integrity of the admission system.

JAMB's Commitment to Transparent Admissions

The Board reiterated that the UTME is primarily intended for fresh admission seekers. Those already enrolled in tertiary institutions must not register for the examination without full disclosure of their status.

JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency, fairness and accountability in the Nigerian admissions process. By enforcing this new measure, the Board seeks to strengthen public confidence in the integrity of higher education admissions across the country.

Closing Note

Through this new policy, JAMB continues its mission to safeguard the credibility of the UTME and ensure that only eligible candidates participate in the examination. All prospective applicants are advised to comply fully with the updated registration guidelines.

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This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

Boasting over a decade of expertise in the education sector, Olusegun offers current insights into educational trends, career opportunities and the latest news.

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