The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new rule requiring all candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to declare their current admission status.
The board said the new directive, which will be reflected in the 2026 registration template, is part of its efforts to tackle impersonation, multiple admissions, and other examination malpractices identified during the 2025 UTME cycle.
According to the JAMB Bulletin, investigations showed that more than 90 per cent of candidates caught in examination-related misconduct during the 2025 UTME were already students of tertiary institutions who attempted to manipulate the process for personal gain.
In response, JAMB has made it mandatory for all candidates to state clearly whether they are already admitted into any higher institution before completing their registration.
“Any candidate who conceals their current admission status or provides false information will face strict sanctions,” the board warned.
These penalties, JAMB explained, could include the withdrawal of existing admission, cancellation of the new registration, and possible prosecution for fraud.
The board said the policy was introduced to preserve the credibility of the national examination and prevent abuse of the system by students seeking multiple or illegal admissions.
“The UTME is meant primarily for fresh admission seekers,” JAMB emphasised. “Those already admitted into any tertiary institution must not register without full disclosure of their current status.”
It urged all prospective candidates and institutions to take note of the new rule as registration for the 2026 UTME approaches.
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