JAMB lifts ban on SIM swap, email change for UTME registration

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reviewed its policy on swapping of candidates’ registered phone numbers and changing of email addresses for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registrations.

Fabian Benjamin, spokesperson of JAMB, in a statement on Monday, said the board had previously barred SIM swapping and email changes in response to the vulnerabilities associated with such changes at the time.

However, “following the introduction of enhanced security measures, particularly stronger identity and biometric verification processes”, the restriction has been lifted.

According to him, the new arrangement, which commences on Monday, 21 September 2026, will enable candidates who have lost their registered SIM numbers, particularly those unable to use such numbers for registration for subsequent UTME exercises, as well as candidates whose registered email accounts can no longer be recovered, to update their details through a secure and controlled process.

“The initiative is aimed at reducing the hardship and trauma associated with the loss of access to candidates’ registered credentials and making the processes leading to tertiary education admission more seamless,” Benjamin said.

“The Board, however, stressed that the concession is subject to strict authentication procedures designed to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alteration of candidates’ records. The SIM swap and/or email change service shall be available only ONCE.”

The reviewed policy reflects the board’s commitment to combining strong data security with candidate-friendly service delivery, ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.