JAMB Announces Mandatory Admission Status Declaration for 2026 UTME Candidates

JAMB introduces a new 2026 UTME policy requiring all candidates to declare their current admission status to curb impersonation and exam malpractice.

JAMB Introduces New Policy for 2026 UTME Registration

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new rule for all candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Under this policy, every applicant must declare their current admission status, stating clearly whether they are already enrolled in a tertiary institution.

This development marks a major step in JAMB’s ongoing effort to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process and eliminate fraud in the examination system.

Why JAMB Introduced the Admission Status Declaration

According to the Board, this policy was established after findings from the 2025 UTME Infraction Report revealed that over 90% of offenders caught for impersonation or examination malpractice were already students of tertiary institutions attempting to gain multiple admissions or manipulate the system.

By enforcing this declaration, JAMB aims to:

Prevent identity fraud and multiple admissions.
Maintain transparency across all tertiary institutions.
Ensure only eligible fresh candidates participate in the UTME.

This initiative reflects JAMB’s commitment to upholding integrity within Nigeria’s tertiary education system. You can read more about JAMB’s operational updates on the official JAMB website.

Consequences for False Declaration

JAMB has made it clear that the UTME is strictly for fresh admission seekers. Any candidate who attempts to conceal or falsify their current admission status will face strict penalties, which may include:

Withdrawal of any previous admission already granted.
Cancellation of UTME registration for the 2026 session.
Prosecution under existing Nigerian education laws governing examination misconduct.

Candidates are strongly advised to provide accurate and verifiable information during their registration process.

What UTME Candidates Should Do

If you are planning to register for the 2026 JAMB UTME, follow these important steps to comply with the new rule:

Confirm your current admission status through the JAMB CAPS portal.
If you are already a student in any tertiary institution, indicate this status honestly during registration.
Avoid using any false identity or manipulating registration details.
Follow JAMB’s official communication channels for authentic updates.

JAMB’s Commitment to Fairness and Transparency

JAMB’s new directive reinforces its mission to ensure fair admission practices across Nigeria. The Board continues to adopt digital verification systems, enhance data cross-checking, and partner with universities and polytechnics to maintain a credible examination process.

In a related update, JAMB also emphasized that all candidates must use their National Identification Number (NIN) for UTME registration — a move designed to strengthen candidate verification. You can learn more about the NIN registration process via the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) website.

Final Thoughts

The new JAMB admission status declaration policy for 2026 UTME candidates is a strong step toward curbing impersonation and ensuring fairness in the admission process. Prospective students are urged to adhere strictly to this guideline to avoid disqualification or legal consequences.

Stay informed by visiting the official JAMB website and JAMB CAPS portal for verified updates on UTME registration, examination dates, and admission guidelines.