The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced changes intended to give candidates clearer information about their admission status and make legitimate corrections to personal records easier.
JAMB Registrar Segun Aina outlined the measures on Wednesday during an engagement with Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates at the Board's Abuja Zonal Office as part of its 2026 Customer Week activities.
More detailed admission status information
The Board is moving beyond brief admission messages such as 'not admitted' and 'admission in progress', which previously left many applicants unsure of the progress of their applications.
Aina said the improved system now provides more specific information to help candidates understand their position while admission decisions are being processed. He described the reforms as part of an effort to build public trust and reduce the stress associated with registration, examinations and admission.
Corrections to contact and identity details
Technological changes have also simplified procedures for candidates who need to update telephone numbers or email addresses, including those who have lost access to their previously registered contact details.
For corrections involving names and other identity information, JAMB is working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to resolve genuine discrepancies while maintaining safeguards against identity manipulation.
Aina explained that earlier restrictions were introduced because of attempts to use changes in personal information to obtain admission fraudulently. Candidates who misuse the more flexible procedures still risk legal consequences.
Critical thinking assessment proposal under consideration
JAMB is separately considering whether its examinations should include assessments of critical thinking and life skills alongside existing academic requirements.
A committee headed by psychometrician Boniface Nwogu is studying whether skills such as reasoning, decision-making and practical application of knowledge could be assessed. No final decision has been taken. Management will first consider the committee's recommendations and a further expert panel would develop implementation arrangements if the proposal is approved.
Examination coordination and admission fairness
The Registrar also defended efforts to harmonise examination timetables, saying better coordination could support timely release of results and subsequent admission exercises even where it reduces JAMB's preparation time.
He reiterated that qualified candidates should gain admission through established requirements rather than personal connections. The Board said its continuing reforms build on earlier measures to strengthen examination integrity and technological systems.
