JAMB Mandates Candidates to Declare Admission Status for 2026 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has instructed its departments to include a mandatory field in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration template requiring candidates to declare their current admission status—that is, whether they are already students of any tertiary institution in Nigeria or abroad.

This move is part of JAMB’s intensified efforts to curb impersonation and other forms of examination malpractice noted during the 2025 UTME cycle. According to the Board’s 2025 UTME Infraction Report, over 90% of candidates involved in various exam malpractices were already enrolled in tertiary institutions, attempting to manipulate the system for illegitimate gains.

The Board stated that starting from the 2026 UTME, all candidates must clearly declare their studentship status. Those who fail to disclose this information or provide false details will face strict sanctions, including withdrawal of admission, cancellation of registration, and possible prosecution under existing laws and regulations.

JAMB emphasized that this directive serves as an early notice to prospective candidates and the public that the integrity of the admission process will be strictly upheld. The UTME is primarily intended for fresh admission seekers, and candidates already admitted to tertiary institutions must not participate without proper disclosure.

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