JAMB has clarified that undergraduates are not banned from registering for the UTME.
The statement was made by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, during a UTME registration inspection in Port Harcourt.
Oloyede labeled the claims as false and misleading.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has debunked claims that undergraduates are prohibited from registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing UTME registration process in Port Harcourt, shortly after the second matriculation ceremony of Wigwe University, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, described the reports as false and deliberately misleading.
He clarified that students who are already studying in universities are allowed to sit for the UTME, stressing that any statement suggesting otherwise did not originate from the Board. According to him, individuals spreading such information are misrepresenting JAMB.
Prof. Oloyede disclosed that some impostors have been posing as JAMB officials, organising media briefings and making public statements in the Board’s name. He said several of these individuals have been arrested, including those found with counterfeit identity cards while falsely claiming to represent JAMB.
The Registrar explained that candidates who have already matriculated remain free to seek admission into a different institution, apply for a change of course, or restart their academic journey if they wish.
Reflecting on previous admission exercises, he noted that more than 800,000 candidates were offered admission in the last cycle, many of whom later requested changes to their programmes or institutions.
On the issue of examination malpractice, Prof. Oloyede said cases have reduced over time, although the problem has not been completely eliminated. He urged parents to discourage unethical conduct, warning that children often mirror the actions of adults. He emphasised the need to instil values of honesty and integrity at home to curb corruption.
Addressing concerns about this year’s registration process, the JAMB boss admitted that challenges were encountered in 2025 but assured the public that corrective steps have been taken to avoid a repeat.
He also dismissed reports that certain categories of candidates, including albinos, would be denied access to registration, describing such claims as unfounded. According to him, all identified gaps in the system have been resolved.
JAMB currently operates 984 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country, with plans to increase the number to 1,000. The registration exercise is scheduled to end on February 28, 2026, and no extension has been announced.
