THIS DAWN — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued an urgent clarification regarding the 2026 UTME/DE registration guidelines, following widespread misinformation suggesting that students already enrolled in tertiary institutions are barred from registering.
In an official statement released today, JAMB emphasized that students currently enrolled in universities or other institutions are allowed to register, provided they disclose their matriculation status.
“It is not an offence for a candidate to register for the UTME/DE while still enrolled in an institution. However, failure to disclose such status constitutes an offence,” the Board stated.
The clarification comes in response to viral claims by self-styled education advocates who misinterpreted JAMB’s directives.
Why the Confusion?
The misinterpretation led to confusion among candidates and parents.
JAMB, however, warned that holding two admissions concurrently is prohibited by law.
It stated that any candidate who fails to disclose prior matriculation risks forfeiting both opportunities.
The Board also revealed that many matriculated students have been found to operate as professional examination takers.
This had prompted stricter enforcement of disclosure rules.
“Although our system can detect prior matriculation, candidates who fail to disclose such status will face serious consequences,” the statement added.
JAMB urged the public to rely on official guidelines and avoid distorted interpretations spread online.
For further details, candidates are advised to visit JAMB website or contact the Board directly.
About JAMB
JAMB stands for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
It is a Nigerian government agency established in 1978 to conduct entrance examinations into tertiary institutions across the country.
Core Functions of JAMB
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Conducts UTME: JAMB organizes the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
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Regulates Admissions: It coordinates and regulates the admission process to ensure fairness, transparency, and uniform standards nationwide.
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Sets Admission Benchmarks: JAMB, in collaboration with tertiary institutions, determines minimum cut-off marks for admissions.
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Maintains Admission Database: It manages the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which tracks and approves admission offers.
Why JAMB Is Important
JAMB serves as the central gatekeeper for tertiary education admissions in Nigeria.
It helps to reduce multiple examinations, curb admission fraud, and ensure equal opportunity for candidates regardless of background or location.
It operates under the authority of the Federal Ministry of Education and is backed by Nigerian law.
In simple terms, JAMB is the body that controls and coordinates how students gain admission into Nigerian higher institutions.
