The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), cautioning them against providing false or misleading information during the registration process, as any breach of its guidelines could attract severe sanctions.
The Registrar of the Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, gave the warning as the 2026 UTME registration exercise, which commenced on January 26, entered its third week. According to JAMB, the advisory became necessary in view of recurring cases of falsification of personal data and other registration-related infractions recorded in previous examination cycles.
Prof. Oloyede spoke while addressing media executives penultimate week, a development detailed in JAMB’s weekly bulletin released on Monday. He underscored the Board’s zero-tolerance stance on registration malpractice, stressing that the integrity of the UTME and the nation’s tertiary admissions process must be protected at all costs.
The JAMB Registrar described registration infractions as serious offences, noting that candidates found guilty of submitting false information—whether relating to bio-data, academic records, or other critical details—risk being barred from sitting the UTME for a period of up to three years. He explained that such sanctions are designed not only as punishment but also as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts.
Beyond administrative penalties, Prof. Oloyede disclosed that offenders could also face criminal consequences. He revealed that cases involving deliberate falsification, impersonation, or other fraudulent practices may be referred to law enforcement and anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force, for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.
He further urged candidates and their parents to ensure strict compliance with JAMB’s registration guidelines, advising them to complete the process personally and avoid the temptation of engaging touts or unverified agents who often encourage sharp practices. According to him, ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as an excuse once a candidate is found culpable.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible, transparent, and technology-driven examination process, assuring stakeholders that robust monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to detect irregularities at every stage of the UTME registration and examination cycle.
The Board advised candidates to seek clarification only through its official channels and accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, emphasizing that honesty and accuracy in the registration process remain the safest path to a successful UTME experience.
