…Candidates can now change registered phone numbers, email addresses under controlled process
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has relaxed its restrictions on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses, allowing candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered credentials to update them through a secure and controlled process.
JAMB said this in a statement signed by Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D., Ag. Director, Public Affairs and Protocol (PAP).
The new policy, which takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, is designed to assist candidates who have lost access to their registered SIM cards or whose email accounts can no longer be recovered.
According to JAMB, the decision followed the introduction of enhanced security measures, particularly stronger identity and biometric verification procedures, which have reduced the risks previously associated with changing candidates’ registered credentials.
The Board had earlier prohibited SIM swapping and email changes as part of measures to safeguard candidates’ records and prevent fraud, impersonation and unauthorised alterations.
Under the revised arrangement, candidates who have lost their registered GSM numbers, especially those unable to use the numbers for registration for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exercises, can now apply to have their details updated.
Similarly, candidates who can no longer recover their registered email accounts may change their email addresses through the approved process.
JAMB said the initiative was intended to reduce the hardship and trauma experienced by candidates who lose access to their registered credentials and to make the processes leading to tertiary education admission more seamless.
The Board, however, stressed that the concession would be subject to strict authentication procedures to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alteration of candidates’ records.
It added that the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available only once to each candidate.
Availability and requirements
JAMB said the service would be provided only at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, including State Offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking the service are required to provide the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, as well as a duly executed Court Affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
Procedure for SIM swap/email change
According to the Board, candidates are required to:
Log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their email address, Registration Number or Profile Code.
Select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
Proceed to a JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
Enter their Profile Code or existing GSM number and click “Fetch Details.”
Undergo biometric verification and select the required service — GSM Number only, Email Address only, or both GSM Number and Email Address.
Enter the new GSM number and/or email address and upload the scanned Court Affidavit.
Click “Update” to complete the process.
A confirmation message will be displayed upon successful completion of the transaction.
JAMB advised candidates to use the service strictly for genuine cases and to patronise only designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centres.
The Board said the reviewed policy underscored its commitment to balancing robust data security with candidate-friendly service delivery, ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.