The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) against committing registration infractions or violating the attestation signed during registration. This warning comes as the registration process, which began on January 26, enters its third week.
According to Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Board’s Registrar, registration infractions are considered serious offences, and candidates found guilty may face severe penalties, including being barred from sitting the UTME for up to three years. Additionally, names of defaulters may be published in national dailies and circulated to other public examination bodies.
“The attestation clause, now an integral part of the application documents, has been incorporated into the registration process due to lessons learned from previous legal battles with candidates,” Oloyede explained. He emphasized that the attestation serves as a formal verification process, confirming the authenticity of academic credentials and all information submitted during registration, thereby helping to prevent fraud.
Candidates are required to provide true and accurate information in their applications and supporting documents. Any attempt to falsify data will attract appropriate sanctions. “Registration infraction is a serious offence, noting that candidates may be barred from sitting the UTME for up to three years,” Oloyede warned.
The Registrar also disclosed that defaulters could be handed over to law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the Nigerian Police for prosecution.
JAMB has implemented a cashless registration policy for the 2026 UTME to prevent exploitation and ensure transparency. Candidates are advised to ensure that only their own ten fingers are captured individually and correctly at the CBT centre.
The Board has also warned against multiple registrations, stating that candidates are not allowed to register more than once. Any candidate who encounters an error during registration should seek correction through JAMB rather than obtain a fresh application, as duplication invalidates all applications.
JAMB has directed that a mandatory declaration field be added to the 2026 UTME registration form, where every applicant must accurately indicate their studentship status before completing registration. This move is part of JAMB’s ongoing efforts to curb impersonation and examination malpractice.
The Registrar urged candidates to avoid providing fictitious information, warning that such actions could jeopardize their chances of gaining tertiary education. He emphasized that the attestation is a formal verification process that confirms the authenticity of academic qualifications and all information supplied during registration, hence assisting in the prevention of fraud.
JAMB has assured that all registration centres will be monitored live from its headquarters, and any centre whose activities are not visible will not be paid, and such registrations may be invalidated.
