JAMB says undergraduates can register for UTME if they declare status
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates already enrolled in tertiary institutions can register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), but must declare their matriculation status. Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Board’s Public Communication Adviser, said the directive was misrepresented by some “education advocates,” causing confusion among candidates and parents. He emphasized that failing to disclose one’s current enrollment status is an offence under JAMB’s rules. JAMB also warned that candidates could lose both their old and new admissions if they do not comply.
What we know
- JAMB stated that undergraduates may register for the 2026 UTME/DE but must formally declare their matriculation status.
- Dr Fabian Benjamin said that misinterpretations of the directive have been spread by some self-styled education advocates.
- Registering for UTME or DE while enrolled elsewhere is allowed, but not disclosing this is an offence.
- Candidates who fail to declare their status risk forfeiting both their existing and new admissions.
- Registration for the 2026 UTME began on January 26, and only Computer-Based Test centres with remote monitoring facilities will participate.
