The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates who are already enrolled in tertiary institutions are allowed to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), provided they formally declare their current matriculation status. Failure to do so, the board warned, could result in the loss of both admissions.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin. He explained that misinformation circulating about the policy was the result of deliberate misrepresentation by individuals he described as “self-styled education advocates,” which has caused confusion among candidates and parents.
Benjamin said the board’s attention was drawn to what he termed a distortion of its clear guidelines as stated in the 2026 UTME/DE advertisement. According to him, such misinterpretations are common at the beginning of every registration cycle and are often spread by commentators who do not fully understand the regulations.
He stressed that it is not illegal for a candidate to register for UTME or DE while already enrolled in another institution. However, not declaring that status during registration is an offence under JAMB rules.
To prevent multiple matriculations, JAMB requires all candidates registering for the 2026 UTME/DE to disclose any existing admission. Benjamin explained that once a candidate secures a new admission through the examination process, any previous admission automatically becomes invalid, as the law does not permit candidates to hold two admissions at the same time.
He added that the policy has become increasingly important following findings that some already-matriculated students have been involved in examination malpractice, including serving as hired test takers.
While noting that JAMB’s systems can detect prior matriculation records, Benjamin warned that candidates who fail to make the necessary disclosure risk losing both their current admission and any new one obtained.
JAMB therefore advised the public to rely on official guidelines and to be wary of misleading interpretations circulated for personal gain, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examinations.