The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reacted to widespread misinformation suggesting that students already admitted into universities and other tertiary institutions are not allowed to register for the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry (DE).
In an official statement released on January 28, 2026, from its National Headquarters in Abuja, JAMB described the claim as false and misleading, noting that candidates who are already enrolled in tertiary institutions are permitted to register—provided they properly declare their current admission status during registration.
According to the Board, disclosure is mandatory. Once a candidate secures a new admission through UTME or DE, any previous admission automatically becomes invalid, as Nigerian law does not permit multiple admissions at the same time. Failure to declare an existing admission is considered a violation and may attract serious consequences.
JAMB also explained that the policy helps curb examination malpractice, revealing that some already-matriculated students register for UTME as professional examination writers. Although JAMB’s system can detect previous admissions, candidates who hide such information risk losing both opportunities.
The Board urged candidates and parents to ignore misleading interpretations circulating on social media and rely only on official information released by JAMB through its verified platforms, including its website.
The statement was signed by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JP, Public Communication Advisor to JAMB, and reaffirmed the Board’s mandate to regulate admissions and prevent multiple matriculations in line with existing laws.
