The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has eased restrictions on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and the changing of registered email addresses, allowing affected candidates to update their details under a new, tightly controlled verification process.
The new policy takes effect Monday, September 21, 2026, and is designed to assist candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered SIM cards or email accounts.
Under the reviewed arrangement, candidates who can no longer access their registered telephone numbers, particularly those seeking to use a different number for subsequent UTME registration, may now apply for a SIM swap. Candidates whose registered email accounts are no longer recoverable may also request an email change.
JAMB had previously suspended SIM swapping and email changes as part of measures to protect candidates’ records from fraud, impersonation and unauthorised alterations.
However, the Board said improvements in its security architecture, including stronger identity and biometric verification mechanisms, have made it possible to introduce the controlled service.
JAMB stressed that the concession would be available only once to each candidate and would be subject to strict authentication procedures.
The service is available at designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centres, including State Offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, as well as a duly executed Court Affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
According to JAMB, candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profiles using their existing credentials, including their email address, Registration Number or Profile Code.
They are then expected to select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
After payment, the candidate is to proceed to a designated JAMB CBT Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink, enter the Profile Code or existing GSM number and retrieve their details.
The candidate will undergo biometric verification before selecting the required service — GSM number change, email address change, or both.
The new GSM number and/or email address will then be entered, while the scanned Court Affidavit will be uploaded before the update is submitted.
A confirmation message will be displayed once the process is successfully completed.
JAMB advised candidates to use the service strictly for genuine cases and to patronise only authorised CBT (PTC/PRC) Centres.
The Board said the reviewed policy was aimed at balancing the protection of candidates’ personal data and records with the need to provide relief to genuine candidates who lose access to their registered credentials.
The statement was signed by Dr Fabian Benjamin, Ag. Director, PAP, JAMB.
