The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has refuted claims that undergraduates are barred from registering for UTME/DE. The Board described such claims as false and misleading.
Despite repeated explanations, some members of the public continue to misinterpret JAMB’s policies. However, JAMB maintained that matriculated students are eligible to register for the 2026 UTME/DE.
JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D, JP, clarified the Board’s position. He stated that JAMB does not prohibit candidates already enrolled in tertiary institutions from applying.
Disclosure of Existing Admission Required
Fabian Benjamin explained that what the Board requires is full disclosure of any existing matriculation status.
This requirement, he noted, is clearly stated in the 2026 UTME/DE advertisement. According to him, disclosure is required strictly for record and regulatory purposes.
It is also intended to prevent multiple admissions. He further explained that once a candidate secures admission through the latest UTME/DE process, any previous admission automatically lapses.
The law, he stressed, does not permit a candidate to hold two admissions concurrently.
Failure to Disclose Attracts Sanctions
The JAMB spokesperson warned that failure to disclose an existing admission constitutes an offence.
Although the Board’s system can detect prior matriculation, candidates are expected to be honest.
Fabian Benjamin cautioned that any candidate who deliberately conceals such information risks forfeiting both admissions. This includes the previous and newly secured opportunities.
Warning Against Policy Distortion
Meanwhile, the Board warned the public against misleading interpretations of its admission policies.
Fabian Benjamin accused some self-styled education advocates of deliberately distorting official guidelines. He said such actions are often driven by selfish interests.
Consequently, candidates and parents were advised to rely solely on official JAMB publications.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and fairness in the admission process.