The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a new policy requiring all candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to declare their current admission status, indicating whether or not they are already enrolled in a tertiary institution.
The directive, the Board said, forms part of renewed efforts to curb impersonation and examination malpractice, issues that became particularly evident during the 2025 UTME cycle.
90% of Malpractice Offenders Already in Tertiary Institutions
Findings from JAMB’s 2025 UTME Infraction Report revealed that over 90% of candidates implicated in various forms of examination malpractice were already students of tertiary institutions attempting to manipulate the system for illegitimate purposes.
“Beginning with the 2026 UTME registration, every candidate will be required to make a clear declaration regarding their current studentship status,” the Board stated.
JAMB emphasized that the UTME is strictly meant for fresh admission seekers, not for students already admitted into higher institutions.
Sanctions for False Declarations
The Board warned that any candidate who fails to disclose their current admission status or provides false information will face strict sanctions, including:
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Withdrawal of any previously granted admission
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Cancellation of UTME registration or results
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Possible prosecution under existing laws and regulations
“This directive serves as an early notice to all prospective candidates and the general public that the Board will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the integrity of the admission process,” JAMB reiterated.
Compulsory Upload of O’Level Results
JAMB also reminded all prospective candidates that uploading their O’Level results remains a mandatory requirement for admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria.
The Board noted that the 2025 WAEC SSCE results have been released and urged candidates to upload them immediately, while those awaiting NECO results should do so once available.
It emphasized that no applicant will be considered for admission without a verified O’Level record in the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
Maintaining Credibility and Transparency
JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s tertiary admission process remains transparent, fair, and credible, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
The Board urged all candidates to comply fully with the new directives and avoid actions that could jeopardize their educational future.
Background: Three-Year Ban for Exam Malpractice Offenders
In response to rising cases of examination malpractice, the Federal Government recently approved a three-year ban for any student caught engaging in exam-related offences.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that the sanction applies across all national external examinations, including JAMB, WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB.
Enforcement, according to the Ministry, will rely on the National Identification Number (NIN) system to prevent offenders from evading penalties.
Schools and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres found aiding malpractice or operating as “miracle centres” also risk being derecognised for several years.
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