JAMB Warns 2026 UTME Candidates on Registration Guidelines, Biodata Restrictions, NIN Rules and CBT Compliance

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued a strong warning to prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry admissions against post-registration biodata changes, multiple registrations, and identity manipulation.

The warning was contained in an official statement signed by the Registrar of the Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, as preparations intensify for the 2026 admission exercise.

JAMB reiterated that registration for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry for both Nigerian and foreign candidates will commence on Monday, January 26, 2026, and close on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The Board stressed that all biodata used during registration will be sourced directly from the National Identity Management Commission and will remain final once the registration process is completed.

According to the Board, candidates will not be allowed to make any changes to their biodata after completing registration for the 2026 admission cycle. JAMB emphasized that no post-registration correction of personal details will be entertained, warning candidates to ensure that all information supplied before registration is accurate.

The Board explained that updates to personal data by the National Identity Management Commission will only reflect on JAMB records under strict conditions. Such updates will apply only to candidates who undergo a formal re-query process during the 2026 registration using the approved retrieval template. Outside this process, no modifications will be recognised.

JAMB also cautioned candidates against registering more than once. The Board stated that multiple registrations are strictly prohibited and that any candidate found to have registered more than once will have all applications invalidated. Candidates who encounter errors during registration were advised to seek official corrections through JAMB rather than attempting a fresh application.

The Board further warned against the use of multiple National Identification Numbers by a single candidate. It stated that using more than one NIN for the purpose of double registration, impersonation, or any form of identity manipulation will attract severe sanctions.

Emphasising biometric integrity, JAMB advised candidates to ensure that only their own ten fingers are properly captured at accredited Computer-Based Test centres. The Board noted that only candidates whose biometric verification is successful on the examination day will be allowed to sit for the UTME or the optional mock examination.

JAMB also warned candidates against allowing third parties to access or manage their registration profiles. Parents, guardians, tutorial centres, or any other proxy are not permitted to conduct registration activities on behalf of candidates. The Board stressed that candidates who disclose their passwords, profile codes, or security details to others will be held responsible for any unauthorised changes made to their records.

On admission history, JAMB stated that candidates are now required to disclose any previous admission or matriculation status during registration. This includes indicating prior UTME or Direct Entry registration details and the relevant examination year. The Board warned that false declarations or failure to disclose previous admission records will automatically invalidate a candidate’s registration or prior admission.

The Board also reiterated that registration for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry can only be carried out at JAMB-approved centres nationwide. Candidates who register outside approved centres do so at their own risk and may have their applications invalidated.

JAMB disclosed that all approved registration centres will be monitored live from its headquarters throughout the registration period. Any centre whose registration activities are not visible during live monitoring will not be paid, and registrations carried out at such centres may be cancelled.

The Board urged candidates to comply strictly with all registration guidelines to avoid disqualification and ensure a smooth admission process for the 2026 academic session.