2026 UTME Warning: JAMB Threatens 3-Year Ban for Candidates Who Falsify Registration Information

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) against falsifying information or violating the attestation signed during registration.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized the seriousness of registration offences as the 2026 UTME registration, which commenced on January 26, enters its third week. According to him, infractions during registration can attract strict penalties, including a ban from the UTME for up to three years.

“Names of defaulters may be published in national newspapers and shared with other public examination authorities,” Prof. Oloyede warned. He added that offenders could also be referred to law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for prosecution.

The Registrar highlighted that the attestation signed by candidates during registration is legally binding, requiring applicants to provide truthful and accurate information in their forms and supporting documents. This measure, he noted, was introduced to prevent fraud and legal disputes that arose from falsified registration data in previous years.

“The attestation now forms an essential part of the application, serving as formal verification to confirm the authenticity of academic credentials and all information submitted,” Prof. Oloyede explained.

Candidates were strongly urged to avoid providing false or misleading information, as such actions could jeopardize their chances of admission into tertiary institutions.

JAMB’s warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of registration practices and ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Candidates are advised to register promptly and ensure all submitted information is accurate to avoid sanctions that could affect both their UTME participation and future academic opportunities.