2026 UTME: JAMB Issues Strict Warnings as Registration Begins January 26

2026 UTME: JAMB Issues Strict Warnings as Registration Begins January 26

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued comprehensive warnings to candidates ahead of the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration, stressing zero tolerance for biodata alterations, multiple registrations, biometric fraud, and identity manipulation.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Board cautioned candidates against changing their biodata after completing registration, noting that such requests would not be entertained for the 2026 admission exercise.

JAMB announced that registration for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry forms—for both Nigerian and foreign applicants—will officially commence on Monday, January 26, 2026, and close on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

According to the Board, once a candidate completes the 2026 JAMB registration using biodata obtained from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), no further modifications will be allowed. “Once a candidate completes 2026 registration with biodata supplied by NIMC, subsequent changes of biodata would not be effected by JAMB for the 2026 admission. No change will be tolerated,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:

• Kano Urology Centre Faces Probe After Patient Dies from Alleged Surgical Negligence
• AFCON 2025: Lookman Tops Goal Contribution Chart as Nigeria Face Morocco in Semis
• Court Remands Portable Over Assault, Theft Allegations in Ogun

JAMB explained that updates made by NIMC would only reflect on JAMB records under specific conditions. For the 2026 exercise, such updates would apply only if affected candidates undergo a RE-QUERY process through TEMPL 007 during registration.

On multiple registrations, the Board warned that candidates must not register more than once. It noted that any candidate who encounters an error during registration should seek official correction rather than purchasing another form, as duplicate registrations automatically invalidate all applications.

The Board also warned against the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs), stating that the use of more than one NIN for double registration, impersonation, or identity manipulation is strictly prohibited and would attract severe sanctions.

Emphasising biometric integrity, JAMB advised candidates to ensure that only their own ten fingers are properly captured at approved CBT centres, stressing that only candidates whose biometric verification is successful on examination day would be allowed to sit the UTME or mock examination.

JAMB further cautioned against third-party interference, warning that parents, guardians, tutorial teachers, or other proxies are not permitted to access candidates’ profiles. Candidates who share their passwords, profile codes, or security details will be held fully responsible for any unauthorised changes.

The Board added that candidates are now required to disclose any previous admission or matriculation status during registration by indicating details of earlier UTME or DE participation. Failure to declare or false declaration will result in automatic invalidation of the candidate’s registration or previous admission.

JAMB reiterated that 2026 UTME registration can only be carried out at JAMB-approved centres nationwide, warning that candidates who register outside approved centres do so at their own risk.

It also disclosed that all registration centres would be monitored live from JAMB headquarters, adding that any centre not visible during monitoring would not be paid and could have its registrations invalidated.

2026 UTME: JAMB Issues Strict Warnings as Registration Begins January 26