The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a firm clarification: current undergraduates can register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE), but only if they fully disclose their matriculation status during registration.
Failure to do so risks losing both existing and new admissions, as emphasized in a January 29, 2026, statement from JAMB’s Public Communications Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.​
Background on the Confusion
Misinformation spread by “self-styled education advocates” distorted JAMB’s guidelines, sparking panic among students and parents. Benjamin blamed social media traffic-seekers for misreading the official 2026 UTME/DE advert, a recurring issue at registration starts. JAMB reiterated that its policy prevents multiple matriculations, aligning with its mandate to uphold admission integrity.
Official Policy: Disclosure is Mandatory
Undergrads are not barred from registering—JAMB explicitly permits it. However, candidates must tick a declaration box confirming any prior enrollment during profile creation on the JAMB portal or at CBT centers.
This triggers automatic verification against JAMB’s database, where prior admissions lapse upon securing a new one. Holding dual admissions violates regulations, with systems now flagging offenders swiftly.
Why Disclosure Matters Now
JAMB uncovered cases of matriculated students acting as exam proxies or malpractice hires. Mandatory disclosure enables quick action: apprehension leads to both admissions’ cancellation and potential blacklisting.
Benjamin noted: “JAMB’s systems detect prior records,” making concealment futile and risky.
Who Can Register
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UTME Candidates: Fresh or repeat aspirants, including undergrads seeking transfers/second degrees.
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DE Candidates: Holders of ND, HND, NCE, or A-Levels, regardless of current status.
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Age/Qualification: Minimum 16 by exam date; O’Level credits required.
Undergrads eyeing UNILAG, ABU, or UI should apply early (UTME: Jan 26–Feb 28; DE: Mar 2–Apr 25), but honesty is non-negotiable.
Registration Process Reminder
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Generate profile code via 550191*NIN# or JAMB portal.
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Purchase e-PIN (₦7,200 UTME; ₦5,700 DE).
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Visit CBT center for biometrics, photo, and form filling—declare status here.
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Select institutions/courses; print slip.
Corrections limited post-registration; monitor efacility.jamb.gov.ng.
Risks of Non-Compliance
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Undisclosed Matriculation | Both admissions forfeited ​ |
| Multiple Profiles | Permanent ban |
| Proxy/Malpractice | Blacklisting + prosecution |
JAMB’s tech, including live camera feeds, ensures compliance.
Benefits for Compliant Undergrads
High performers (250+ UTME score) can switch programs/institutions seamlessly. Post-UTME success trumps current status for top schools. Kano students, amid ASUU strikes, use this for regularization or upgrades.
Pro Tips
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Read full guidelines on jamb.gov.ng before agents.
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Practice CBT via apps; exam likely April 2026.
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Disclose upfront—new admission overrides old automatically.
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Avoid “advocates” promising shortcuts.
JAMB’s stance promotes fairness: register, disclose, compete. Undergrads, seize this window wisely.
