The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a significant policy change that will take effect from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration exercise. According to the examination body, all prospective candidates will now be required to declare their current admission status before completing their registration process.
This new directive, JAMB said, is aimed at ensuring transparency in the nation’s tertiary education admission system, preventing multiple admissions, and promoting accountability among candidates seeking placement into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions.
New Rule Targets Candidates with Existing Admissions
In an official statement released by JAMB’s Public Communication Department, the Board explained that the policy is designed to address recurring challenges in the admission process, especially cases where individuals already admitted into institutions reapply for fresh admissions without officially withdrawing from their previous placements.
The statement reads:
“Beginning from the 2026 UTME registration exercise, all candidates are required to clearly state whether they are currently admitted into any tertiary institution in Nigeria or abroad. This measure is to help the Board keep accurate records of admission data and eliminate duplication or abuse of the admission process.”
JAMB emphasized that many candidates currently enrolled in universities and other institutions have continued to participate in UTME without disclosing their existing admission status. This, according to the Board, has led to confusion in institutional data and hindered efforts to streamline student records across the country’s higher education system.
Why JAMB Is Making the Change
Over the years, the examination body has faced difficulties tracking admission trends due to the rising number of students switching institutions without proper documentation. Some candidates reportedly secure admission through UTME, proceed to resume studies, and later retake the exam to seek a “better” placement—sometimes while still registered in another school.
A senior JAMB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that such practices distort admission statistics and create administrative challenges for tertiary institutions.
“We have discovered that thousands of students apply for UTME each year even though they are already in school. This practice not only deprives other candidates of fair chances but also affects the credibility of institutional data. With the new rule, candidates must be honest about their current academic status,” the official stated.
How the New Policy Will Work
Under the new policy framework, UTME registration forms will include a dedicated section where candidates must indicate one of the following options:
- Currently admitted (and specify the institution and programme), or
- Not yet admitted.
Candidates who indicate that they are already enrolled in a tertiary institution will be required to upload proof of withdrawal or completion of their current programme before their new application can be validated.
JAMB also revealed that the National Identification Number (NIN) verification system and Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) will be upgraded to detect and cross-check previous admission records automatically. This integration, according to the Board, will ensure that every admission granted is authentic and traceable to the candidate’s true academic status.
Implications for Students and Institutions
Education analysts have described the move as a bold step towards cleaning up Nigeria’s higher education database. The policy is expected to discourage candidates from abandoning existing programmes without formal disengagement and prevent cases of double admission.
Dr. Florence Okon, a higher education policy expert at the University of Calabar, told journalists that the policy could help curb “academic redundancy” and foster integrity in tertiary admissions.
“This is a commendable move by JAMB. Many students are fond of leaving their initial institutions without officially withdrawing, which creates unnecessary administrative burdens for schools. With this new requirement, every candidate must be transparent about their current enrolment status,” Dr. Okon said.
She added that the decision aligns with global standards, where student tracking systems ensure that individuals do not hold concurrent enrolments across multiple institutions.
JAMB’s Commitment to Transparent Admissions
JAMB has, in recent years, embarked on several reforms aimed at improving the credibility of the UTME and the admissions process. The introduction of CAPS in 2017 revolutionized the system by ensuring that all admissions into tertiary institutions are processed electronically, eliminating human interference and fraud.
In 2021, the Board also made the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) mandatory for all candidates registering for UTME, citing the need to curb identity fraud and impersonation.
The new policy on admission status declaration represents the next phase in the Board’s ongoing efforts to achieve full transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary education admissions.
A JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to accountability, noting that the agency will continue to adapt its policies to align with global best practices.
“Our goal is to ensure a fair, credible, and transparent admission process that upholds the integrity of the nation’s education system. The requirement for candidates to declare their admission status will help JAMB and institutions manage admissions more effectively and eliminate inconsistencies in student data,” Benjamin stated.
Sanctions for False Declarations
The Board has also warned candidates against making false declarations during registration. According to JAMB, any applicant found to have concealed their current admission status or provided misleading information will face severe penalties, including disqualification from the examination and possible blacklisting.
“Candidates must note that the declaration of admission status is a legally binding process. Providing false information amounts to forgery and will attract appropriate sanctions under existing regulations,” the Board cautioned.
Institutions will also be expected to update their student records regularly on the CAPS portal to assist JAMB in verifying the authenticity of candidates’ declarations.
Mixed Reactions from Students
Reactions have begun to trail the announcement across social media platforms, with many students expressing both support and concern about the new requirement.
While some praised JAMB for seeking to maintain integrity in the admission process, others argued that the policy could pose challenges for students who wish to change institutions for legitimate reasons such as poor accreditation, strikes, or relocation.
A student of the University of Abuja, Chika Nnamdi, said the policy might make it harder for candidates to start afresh when they are dissatisfied with their current institutions.
“Sometimes students want to transfer because of incessant strikes or lack of facilities. If JAMB insists on proof of withdrawal before registration, it could make the process unnecessarily stressful,” she said.
However, others like Ibrahim Salihu, a Polytechnic student in Kaduna, believe the rule will promote order.
“It’s a good decision. Too many people are gaming the system, and it’s about time JAMB brought discipline to the process,” he noted.
Implementation Timeline
JAMB clarified that the policy will not affect the ongoing 2025 UTME registration or Direct Entry process. The full implementation will begin with the 2026 UTME registration, giving candidates and institutions sufficient time to understand and comply with the new rules.
The Board also hinted at plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign in early 2025 to educate prospective candidates, parents, and institutions about the new requirement.
Conclusion
As JAMB continues its reform-driven approach to managing Nigeria’s tertiary education admissions, the mandatory declaration of admission status marks another milestone in its quest for efficiency and accountability. The 2026 UTME registration will not only test candidates’ academic preparedness but also their honesty and compliance with institutional regulations.
With this policy, JAMB aims to create a more transparent and organized admissions environment—one where every student’s record can be accurately traced, verified, and accounted for, strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
