JAMB refuting reports that undergraduates are barred from UTME

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What Happened? Rumour Circulating Online

JAMB refuting reports that undergraduates are barred from UTME registration in Nigeria; Recently, a claim spread widely on social media suggesting that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had banned undergraduates — students already admitted into universities — from registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE).
Some online commentators also interpreted a new guideline to mean that undergraduates must quit their current programmes before attempting UTME again.

This rumour caused confusion among students and parents, with many worrying that existing university students who want to switch courses or pursue new admissions would be prevented from doing so.

JAMB’s Official Response

✅ The Board Denies the Ban

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) publicly refuted the claims, describing them as misleading and false.
The statement was issued by JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, and emphasized that:

There is no policy barring enrolled undergraduates from registering for the UTME or DE for 2026.
Claims suggesting a ban originated from misinterpretations and distortions of JAMB’s official guidelines — often spread by what the Board called self-styled education advocates seeking attention on social media.

Clarification on Matriculation Status

JAMB explained that:

Candidates who are already enrolled in universities can still register for UTME or Direct Entry.
However, all candidates must declare their existing matriculation status during registration. This requirement is meant to:

• Prevent multiple concurrent admissions (which is against Nigerian admission law), and
• Help the Board monitor and deter examination malpractice (e.g., candidates being used as hired test takers).

Dr. Benjamin stressed that this rule is about transparency, not prohibition.

Why the Clarification Matters

Preventing Concurrent Admissions

JAMB refuting reports that undergraduates are barred from UTME registration in Nigeria; JAMB noted that no candidate is legally allowed to hold two active admissions at the same time. So:

If a currently enrolled student secures a new admission through UTME/DE, the old admission automatically lapses.
Failure to disclose an existing admission is considered an offence, potentially leading to forfeiture of both the old and the new admission if discovered.

This provision aligns with the Board’s statutory mandate to maintain fairness, integrity, and transparency in the admissions process.

READ POST: how to find a list of accredited CBT (Computer Based Test) centres for the 2026 UTME

️ Fighting Malpractice and Abuse

JAMB also highlighted that the disclosure requirement helps curb abuses, such as cases where enrolled students write UTME as professional test takers for others — a form of exam malpractice.

Bottom Line (What Students Should Know)

✔ Undergraduates are not barred from UTME or Direct Entry registration.
✔ They must declare their current matriculation status when registering.
✔ Failure to do so may result in penalties, including disqualification or forfeiture of admissions.
✔ The clarification aims to enhance accountability and protect the integrity of the examination system.

Advice for Candidates and Parents

Always check official JAMB documents and announcements (e.g., the UTME/DE brochure) rather than relying on social media interpretations.
Ensure your matriculation and previous admission details are correctly entered during registration.
If you’re unsure about your status or how to declare it, visit an accredited CBT centre or JAMB office for assistance.

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