Abuja, Nigeria – February 11, 2026 — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong and unequivocal warning to all candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), cautioning them against providing false or misleading information during registration or at any stage of the admission process.
In a public advisory released on Wednesday, JAMB emphasised that any candidate found to have submitted inaccurate details—whether relating to personal data, academic qualifications, biometric information, or other required credentials—risks severe consequences, including outright disqualification from the admission process and potential permanent loss of admission opportunities.
The board stressed that integrity remains a core requirement for participation in the UTME and subsequent placement into tertiary institutions. JAMB reminded prospective candidates that the registration exercise is designed to capture accurate and verifiable information, which forms the basis for admission consideration by universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other accredited institutions.
“Candidates are strongly advised to provide only truthful and correct information during registration,” the statement read. “Any form of falsification, misrepresentation, or submission of fake documents will not be tolerated. Offenders will face appropriate sanctions, which may include cancellation of results, withdrawal of admission (if already offered), and blacklisting from future JAMB examinations.”
The warning comes at a time when JAMB is intensifying efforts to curb examination malpractice, identity fraud, and other forms of irregularity that have historically plagued the UTME process. The board has in recent years implemented advanced biometric verification systems, including facial recognition and thumbprint matching, to detect impersonation and multiple registrations.
JAMB also highlighted specific areas where candidates commonly provide false information, including:
- Incorrect or fabricated O’Level results and subject combinations
- Use of another person’s biometric data or identity
- Submission of forged birth certificates, state of origin documents, or indigene certificates
- False claims of special needs or catchment area advantages
- Multiple registrations using different identities
The board reiterated that all information supplied during registration is cross-checked against national databases, including those of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and other examination bodies. Discrepancies detected at any point—even after admission—can lead to revocation of offers.
JAMB further advised parents, guardians, and candidates to avoid patronising fraudulent registration centres or individuals promising guaranteed high scores or admission through illegal means. The board warned that such actions not only jeopardise the candidate’s future but also expose them to criminal prosecution under relevant laws.
To ensure a smooth and credible registration process, JAMB urged candidates to:
- Register only at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres approved by the board.
- Verify all personal details before final submission.
- Use valid and active phone numbers and email addresses for communication.
- Retain all receipts, registration slips, and confirmation documents.
- Report any suspicious activity or extortion immediately through official JAMB channels.
The 2026 UTME registration is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with detailed guidelines, timelines, and fees to be announced shortly on the official JAMB website and social media platforms. The board has assured that it will continue to deploy technology and robust monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of the examination and admission processes.
JAMB’s latest advisory serves as a timely reminder to the millions of prospective candidates preparing for tertiary education that honesty and compliance remain non-negotiable. The board has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on fraud, stating that protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system is a top priority.
As the registration window approaches, candidates are encouraged to stay informed through official JAMB sources and avoid falling victim to misinformation or fraudulent operators. The consequences of providing false information, JAMB warned, could permanently derail academic and professional aspirations.
