Susan Abayomi
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted its restriction on the swapping of candidates’ registered phone numbers and changing of registered email addresses, providing relief for candidates who have lost access to their original credentials.
The revised policy takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, and allows genuine candidates to update their registered GSM numbers, email addresses or both through a controlled verification process.
JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the decision followed improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification systems, which the Board said would provide additional safeguards against impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.
The Board had previously prohibited SIM swaps and email changes because of security concerns surrounding alterations to candidates’ registered credentials.
Under the new arrangement, candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered SIM cards or email accounts may apply to change their GSM number, email address or both. However, the service is available to each candidate only once.
JAMB said the facility is intended to reduce the difficulties faced by candidates who can no longer access their registered contact details while maintaining the security of its records.
Candidates seeking to use the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, together with a duly executed court affidavit that has been scanned and is ready for upload.
The process begins with the candidate logging into their JAMB e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their registration number or profile code. The candidate is then required to select the “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” option and pay the prescribed fee.
After payment, candidates are required to visit a designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre or applicable JAMB office to continue the process.
At the centre, the candidate’s profile details will be retrieved using the relevant profile code or existing GSM number, after which biometric verification will be conducted.
Following successful verification, candidates can select the service they require, whether a GSM number change, email address change or both. They will then provide the new details, upload the scanned court affidavit and submit the request.
A confirmation message will be displayed once the update has been successfully completed.
JAMB stressed that the new facility is subject to strict authentication procedures and urged candidates to use it only where there is a genuine need.
The Board also advised candidates to patronise only designated and authorised centres and avoid third parties or unofficial channels offering to change their registered details.
The development marks a change from JAMB’s earlier position that required candidates to retain the phone numbers and email addresses originally associated with their profiles. JAMB’s 2026 registration guidance had emphasised the importance of keeping registered contact details safe for future transactions with the Board.
JAMB said the reviewed policy is aimed at balancing the protection of candidates’ personal information with the need to ensure that those who genuinely lose access to their registered credentials are not unnecessarily disadvantaged in their pursuit of admission.
