JAMB
Olamilekan Abayomi
JAMB has clarified that undergraduates are not barred from sitting for the 2026 UTME. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dismissed claims that candidates already in universities were barred from registering for the exam, describing the reports as misleading and distorted .
According to JAMB spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the 2026 UTME/DE advertisement clearly directed candidates to disclose their matriculation status during registration. This is to prevent multiple admissions, as Nigerian regulations don’t allow candidates to hold two admissions at the same time .
Dr. Benjamin emphasized that it’s not an offence for a candidate already enrolled in an institution to register for UTME or Direct Entry examinations. However, failure to disclose existing matriculation status is an offence under the law governing admissions.
The board’s clarification comes after some reports suggested that undergraduates were automatically disqualified from registering for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry examinations. JAMB attributes these reports to “self-styled education advocates” seeking attention and online traffic.
JAMB’s rules require full disclosure of a candidate’s matriculation status during registration. If a candidate secures a new admission, any previous admission automatically lapses. The board warns that candidates who fail to disclose their status risk losing both admissions if detected.
The mandatory disclosure has helped curb the activities of matriculated students engaging as professional examination takers. JAMB’s systems can detect prior matriculation, and candidates who conceal their status risk penalties .
JAMB urges candidates and parents to rely on official guidelines and avoid misleading interpretations. The board will maintain its disclosure requirements, allowing eligible candidates, including those already enrolled, to participate in the process within the law.
