JAMB Clarifies UTME Registration Rules for Undergraduates, Debunks Ban Claims
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed circulating social media claims that it has prohibited currently enrolled undergraduate students from registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Board states the policy requires disclosure of existing admission status, not its termination.
In early 2026, rumours spread across platforms alleging that JAMB had introduced a rule barring any student already admitted to a tertiary institution from applying for the UTME. One widely shared post claimed: “JAMB has banned undergraduates from registering for UTME. Anyone already in a university must first terminate their admission before applying.” The claim was presented as a measure to curb examination malpractice.
JAMB has officially labelled this information as false. In a statement via its X account, signed by Public Communication Adviser Fabian Benjamin, the Board clarified its position. “JAMB does not prohibit candidates who are already enrolled in tertiary institutions from registering for the UTME/DE,” the statement read. “What the Board requires, as clearly stated in the 2026 UTME/DE advertisement, is mandatory disclosure of any existing matriculation status at the point of registration.”
The requirement to disclose current admission is for record-keeping and regulatory compliance, primarily to prevent candidates from holding multiple admissions simultaneously—an offence under Nigerian law. JAMB emphasised that this disclosure is a legal obligation. Candidates who fail to declare their existing admission risk invalidation of both their current and any new admission.
The Board also warned the public against misinformation from self-styled education “advocates” who misrepresent its policies. The false claim was traced to several social media posts and blogs, which JAMB has consistently countered.
The UTME is the primary entrance examination for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The clarification ensures prospective candidates understand the actual registration protocol: undergraduates may apply but must honestly declare their current academic status. This process supports institutional integrity and aligns with national regulations on tertiary education admissions.
The significance of this correction lies in preventing unnecessary panic among students and ensuring compliance with JAMB’s established procedures. Candidates are advised to refer solely to official JAMB communications for accurate guidelines.
