JAMB warns 2026 UTME and Direct Entry candidates against biodata changes, multiple NINs, proxy registration and biometric abuse

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued strict warnings to candidates participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration exercise over biodata integrity, biometric capture and identity verification.

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In a statement signed on Tuesday by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Board cautioned candidates against altering their personal information after registration, warning that no post-registration changes would be allowed.

“Once a candidate completes 2026 registration with biodata supplied by NIMC, subsequent changes of biodata would not be effected by JAMB for the 2026 admission. No change will be tolerated,” the statement said.

JAMB explained that updates from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) would only be reflected under strict conditions.

“For 2026, changes in previous data by NIMC will only be updated on existing JAMB records if the affected candidates go through a RE-QUERY process to retrieve the updated data through TEMPL 007 during registration,” it said.

The Board reiterated that candidates must not register more than once.

“Candidates are not permitted to register more than once. In the event of any error during the registration process, such candidates are to seek correction from the Board and not obtain a fresh application, as duplication of application vitiates all the applications,” it warned.

JAMB also cautioned against the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs).

“The use of multiple NINs by a single candidate for double registration, impersonation or any form of identity manipulation is strictly prohibited and will be severely sanctioned,” it said.

On biometric capture, the Board stressed that only candidates whose biometric verification is successful on examination day would be allowed to sit for the UTME or Mock.

“Candidates are advised to ensure that only their own ten fingers are captured individually and correctly at the CBT Centre,” the statement said.

The Board further warned against third-party interference in candidates’ profiles.

“Non-candidates, including parents, guardians or proxies, are not allowed to transact any business on any candidate’s profile,” it said.

It added that candidates would be held responsible for any misuse of their login details.

“Any candidate who makes his password, profile code or other security codes available to another person is liable for any alteration done by such person(s),” the statement said.

JAMB also directed candidates to declare any previous admission or matriculation status.

“Any false or non-declaration of previous registration or matriculation will automatically invalidate the candidate’s registration or previous admission,” it said.

The Board reminded prospective applicants that registration could only be done at approved centres.

“Registration can only be done at JAMB-approved centres across the country. Any candidate who registers outside approved centres does so at his or her own risk,” it warned.

JAMB disclosed that all registration centres would be monitored live from its headquarters and warned that centres not visible on its monitoring platform would not be paid and could have their registrations invalidated.

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Registration for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry forms will commence on Monday, 26 January 2026 and end on Saturday, 28 February 2026 for both Nigerian and foreign applicants.