The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted its ban on swapping candidates' registered phone numbers and changing registered email addresses. This new policy, effective September 21, 2026, aims to ease difficulties faced by candidates who can no longer access their registered SIM cards or recover their email accounts. The change will particularly benefit those seeking to use new numbers for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration.
According to JAMB's Acting Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the decision was made after introducing enhanced security measures, including stronger identity and biometric verification processes. These measures provide additional safeguards against impersonation, fraud, and unauthorized alteration of candidates' records. The previous ban on SIM swapping and email changes was implemented due to vulnerabilities associated with these processes.
Under the reviewed arrangement, candidates can now apply to change their GSM number, email address, or both, but the service will only be available once to each candidate. JAMB stated that this concession aims to reduce the hardship and trauma associated with losing access to registered credentials while making the processes leading to tertiary education admission more seamless.
However, the Board warned that the new facility will operate under strict authentication procedures and urged candidates to use it only in genuine cases. The service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers, including state offices where applicable. Candidates seeking to use the facility must provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as well as a duly executed court affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
To access the service, candidates must log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their registered email address, registration number, or profile code. They will then select "SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment" from the menu and pay the prescribed fee before proceeding to a JAMB CBT center. The process also requires biometric verification before candidates can select the service they need.
The examination body urged candidates to patronize only designated CBT centers and warned them against using unauthorized channels or third parties to effect changes to their records. Dr. Benjamin explained that the reviewed policy aims to strike a balance between protecting candidates' data and ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
The enhanced verification measures will allow the Board to provide a more candidate-friendly service without compromising the integrity and security of its records. The new policy is expected to benefit candidates who have lost access to their registered credentials and are seeking to update their records through a controlled process.
Key points
- JAMB lifts ban on SIM swap, email changes for candidates.
- The new policy aims to ease difficulties faced by candidates who can no longer access their registered SIM cards or recover their email accounts.
- The service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers.
