JAMB Allows Candidates to Change Lost SIM, Email Addresses

JAMB Allows Candidates to Change Lost SIM, Email Addresses

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reviewed its policy on changing registered phone numbers and email addresses, allowing candidates who have genuinely lost access to their SIM cards or email accounts to update their details through a controlled verification process.

The new arrangement took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, providing a new option for candidates who can no longer use the phone numbers linked to their JAMB profiles, or who have lost access to the email accounts registered during previous examinations.

JAMB said the policy change followed the introduction of stronger identity authentication and biometric verification measures, which it said would help prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alterations to candidates’ records.

The Board had previously restricted SIM swaps and email changes because of security vulnerabilities associated with changing the contact details attached to candidates’ profiles.

Under the revised policy, however, candidates with genuine cases can now request changes through designated JAMB facilities, subject to identity verification and other requirements.

The service covers candidates who need to change their GSM number, their email address, or both.

JAMB said candidates must provide the new phone number and/or email address they intend to register, as well as a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and ready for upload.

The Board also stressed that the facility should be used strictly for genuine cases and that candidates should patronise only designated JAMB CBT centres or other officially approved locations.

The process for changing a registered SIM or email address is as follows:

1. Log into the JAMB e-Facility

Candidates should first log into their JAMB e-Facility profile using their existing credentials. The Board said candidates can use their available registered information, including their registration number or profile code, to begin the process.

2. Select the SIM Swap/eMail Change payment option

After logging in, candidates should select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the available menu and proceed with the prescribed payment.

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3. Visit a designated JAMB CBT centre

After payment, the candidate is required to proceed to a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centre. JAMB said State Offices may also provide the service where applicable.

4. Access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink

At the designated centre, the candidate will access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink provided for the service.

5. Enter the profile details

The candidate will enter the Profile Code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details” to retrieve the relevant profile information.

6. Complete biometric verification

The candidate must undergo biometric verification before the request can proceed. This measure is intended to establish that the person requesting the change is the genuine owner of the JAMB profile.

7. Select the required change

The candidate will then select the service required — GSM number only, email address only, or both GSM number and email address.

8. Enter the new contact details

The candidate will provide the new GSM number and/or email address to be linked to the JAMB profile.

9. Upload the court affidavit

The candidate must upload the scanned court affidavit required by JAMB as part of the verification process.

10. Submit the update

After checking the information provided, the request can be submitted by clicking “Update”. A confirmation message will be displayed once the change has been successfully processed.

JAMB said the enhanced verification system is intended to ensure that the relaxation of the previous restriction does not expose candidates’ records to unauthorised changes.

The Board has also cautioned candidates against using unofficial agents or unauthorised outlets to change their registered details, warning that the process must be completed through approved JAMB channels.

The new policy is particularly significant for candidates who registered for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in previous years but subsequently lost their registered SIM cards or became unable to recover the email accounts linked to their profiles.

Without access to those contact details, some candidates may face difficulties with subsequent JAMB registration and other examination-related services.

JAMB’s revised arrangement now provides a formal route for such candidates to restore access to their current contact details while maintaining identity checks.

The Board, however, emphasised that the facility is subject to strict authentication and should not be treated as a general opportunity to make repeated changes to candidate profiles.

Candidates who use the service are therefore advised to ensure that their new phone numbers and email addresses are active, accessible and entered correctly before submitting their requests.

JAMB has also previously introduced a Profiled Email service as an alternative communication channel for candidates affected by lost SIM cards. The official JAMB website says the service allows important notifications and transactions to be delivered to a candidate’s profiled email and the messages section of the candidate’s account. (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board)

The latest policy means candidates with genuine cases involving lost SIM cards or inaccessible email accounts now have a dedicated procedure for updating their records, rather than being left without a formal route to change the affected contact details.

The Board said the policy is aimed at balancing candidate data security with access to essential JAMB services, while ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

JAMB Allows Candidates to Change Lost SIM, Email Addresses