The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reviewed its policy on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses, allowing a controlled process for candidates who have genuinely lost access to their credentials.
The new arrangement, according to a statement issued by JAMB’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin, takes effect Monday, September 21, 2026.
The new arrangement, which takes effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, is targeted at candidates who can no longer access their registered SIM cards or recover their email accounts.
The Board had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes as a security measure because of vulnerabilities associated with such alterations.
However, JAMB said the policy was reviewed following the introduction of enhanced security measures, particularly stronger identity and biometric verification processes.
According to the Board, the measure is intended to reduce the hardship faced by candidates who lose access to their registered credentials, particularly those seeking to register for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), and make the admission process more seamless.
JAMB, however, stressed that the concession would be subject to strict authentication procedures to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alteration of candidates’ records.
It said the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available only once to each candidate.
The service is available only at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres, including State Offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, as well as a duly executed court affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
Under the procedure, candidates are expected to log into their JAMB e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code.
They are then required to select the “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” option, pay the prescribed fee and proceed to a JAMB CBT centre to access the relevant Quicklink.
Candidates will enter their profile code or existing GSM number, undergo biometric verification and select whether they require a GSM number change, email change or both.
They will subsequently enter the new details, upload the scanned court affidavit and complete the update. A confirmation message will be displayed upon successful completion.
The Board advised candidates to use the service strictly for genuine cases and patronise only designated JAMB CBT centres.
JAMB’s Acting Director, PAP, Fabian Benjamin, said the reviewed policy reflected the Board’s commitment to balancing data security with candidate-friendly service delivery, ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
