The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revised its policy on swapping candidates' registered GSM numbers and changing registered email addresses. This change allows candidates who have genuinely lost access to their SIM cards or email accounts to update their details through a controlled process. The new arrangement, effective from September 21, 2026, aims to assist candidates who have lost access to their registered GSM numbers or email accounts.
The policy change was announced by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols at JAMB. He stated that the Board had previously restricted SIM swapping and email changes to protect candidates' records from fraud and security vulnerabilities. However, with the introduction of enhanced security measures, including stronger identity and biometric verification processes, the policy has been reviewed to accommodate candidates who need to update their details.
Under the revised arrangement, candidates can request a GSM number swap, email address change, or both, subject to strict authentication procedures. The concession is intended to reduce the hardship faced by candidates who lose access to their registered credentials and make the processes leading to tertiary education admission more seamless. Candidates can access the service at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres, including State Offices where applicable.
To access the service, candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profiles using their existing credentials and pay the prescribed fee. They will then proceed to a JAMB CBT Centre, where they will undergo biometric verification and enter their new details. Candidates will also be required to upload a duly executed court affidavit scanned and ready for upload. The process is designed to prevent impersonation, fraud, and unauthorized alteration of candidates' records.
JAMB has warned that the service will be available only once to each candidate and will be subject to stringent verification. The Board advised candidates to use the service strictly for genuine cases and patronize only designated CBT centres. The reviewed policy is part of JAMB's effort to balance strong data security with candidate-friendly service delivery.
The SIM swap and email change service will be available at designated CBT centres, and candidates are required to provide the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable. The process is completed by clicking 'Update', after which a confirmation message will be displayed upon successful completion. JAMB noted that the policy change is aimed at ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
The revised policy is a significant development for candidates who have been affected by the previous restrictions on SIM swapping and email changes. With the introduction of enhanced security measures, JAMB aims to provide a more seamless and secure process for candidates to update their details. The Board's effort to balance data security with candidate-friendly service delivery is expected to benefit thousands of candidates.
Key points
- JAMB has revised its policy on SIM swapping and email changes to allow candidates to update their details through a controlled process.
- The service will be available only once to each candidate and will be subject to stringent verification to prevent impersonation and fraud.
- Candidates can access the service at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres, including State Offices where applicable.
