JAMB Clarifies: Undergraduates Eligible to Register for UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed claims that candidates already admitted into universities are barred from sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

During a monitoring visit in Port Harcourt, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyode, described such reports as deliberate misinformation spread by fraudsters impersonating board officials. “It is completely untrue that candidates who have matriculated or are already in a university cannot take UTME,” he said, adding that some individuals even fabricated identity cards and posed as JAMB representatives. Authorities have arrested key culprits behind the falsehoods.

Clarifying the board’s position, Oloyode emphasized that students retain the right to ce courses or institutions. “A student who has matriculated can decide to ce his course or university, or even start afresh. Disclosure is crucial to ensure data accuracy, but no candidate’s right to apply again can be taken away,” he stated.

JAMB revealed that over 800,000 candidates were admitted in the previous cycle, with many seeking academic ces. “What you cannot do is run two undergraduate programmes at the same time,” Oloyode added.

On examination malpractice, he noted that cases are declining, though challenges remain. He also urged parents to promote honesty, warning against passing corrupt practices to the next generation.

Addressing previous challenges, the Registrar said lapses in 2025 had been addressed. He refuted claims that albinos would be denied registration and confirmed that about 984 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres are operational nationwide, expected to rise to 1,000. Registration will close on February 28, 2026, without extension.