The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning to candidates preparing for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), cautioning them against double registration and any attempt to manipulate identity records through multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) or biodata changes.
In a statement signed by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the board stressed that the integrity of candidates’ biodata, biometric capture and identity verification will be treated as a top priority for the 2026 exercise.
What JAMB said about double registration
JAMB’s message is direct: candidates are not allowed to register more than once. The board warned that multiple registrations—whether deliberate or done “to correct mistakes”—can create identity conflicts that may lead to disqualification, invalid records, or other penalties.
Some reports also highlight JAMB’s concern about candidates attempting to use more than one NIN to create multiple profiles—something the board associates with impersonation or identity manipulation and says will attract sanctions.
Warning on biodata changes and NIMC updates
Another major issue JAMB addressed is biodata consistency—especially where candidates try to change their personal details after registering.
JAMB warned against post-registration biodata changes and explained that updates from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will not automatically “fix” a candidate’s JAMB record unless the candidate follows JAMB’s approved process for retrieving updated data during registration.
Punch reported that JAMB referenced a controlled “re-query” route (including the use of a registration template reference) for candidates whose NIMC records have been updated, rather than allowing informal edits that can compromise identity integrity.
Biometric capture: JAMB’s key focus for 2026 UTME
JAMB also stressed that biometrics must be captured properly and that candidates should not allow any centre to “force” a registration if biometric capture fails. If biometrics cannot be captured correctly, candidates are advised to stop and report to the nearest JAMB office.
This is tied to the board’s wider effort to reduce cases of:
- wrong candidate data,
- mismatched profiles,
- impersonation, and
- exam-day verification failures.
“Dual screen” rule: candidates should watch their own registration
One practical step repeatedly emphasized in 2026 guidelines is the dual screen registration setup, which lets candidates confirm—live—that:
- their passport photo is correct, and
- their biometrics are being captured properly in real time.
JAMB-linked guidance platforms have also warned candidates not to allow third parties to handle registration “off-screen,” because errors made at registration can later become extremely difficult to correct.
When 2026 UTME forms begin (what candidates should note)
Separate reporting indicates JAMB plans to commence the sale of 2026 UTME/DE forms around late January, while repeating its warning against double registration and “double NIN” use.
(Always confirm your exact dates and deadlines only through JAMB’s official announcements or accredited CBT centres.)
What candidates should do now
To avoid trouble during 2026 UTME registration, candidates should:
- Use one NIN and one JAMB profile only (no second attempt).
- Ensure biodata matches your NIN record before starting.
- Register only at accredited CBT centres (avoid unapproved agents/cybercafés).
- Insist on dual-screen registration so you can verify your data live.
- If biometrics fail, don’t force it—visit a JAMB office.
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