UTME 2026: JAMB Mentions Offence That May Cost Candidates Their Admission
- The JAMB warns candidates that false information may jeopardise their admission for the 2026 UTME
- Candidates face up to three years’ suspension for registration infractions, says JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede
- New attestation clause aims to ensure truthful submission of academic credentials in the UTME process
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering basic and tertiary education in Nigeria and worldwide
FCT, Abuja - The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said false information may cause candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to lose their admission.
Legit.ng reports that JAMB fixed January 26, 2026, to February 28, 2026, for this year's UTME registration nationwide.
Source: Facebook
The examination body warned the 2026 UTME candidates that any breach could lead to severe sanctions.
The JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, said registration infractions constitute serious offences.
Oloyede said that candidates found guilty of false information could be barred from sitting the UTME for up to three years.
As reported by Daily Trust, Oloyede stated this according to details contained in JAMB’s weekly bulletin released on Monday, February 9, 2026.
“Registration infraction is a serious offence.”
The JAMB boss added that the names of defaulters could be published in national newspapers and circulated to other public examination bodies.
He explained that the attestation/declaration requires applicants to provide truthful and accurate information in their forms and supporting documents.
“Any attempt to falsify data will attract appropriate sanctions.”
He further disclosed that JAMB incorporated the attestation clause into the registration process following lessons learned from previous legal disputes involving candidates.
According to Oloyede, the clause serves as a formal verification mechanism to confirm the authenticity of UTME candidates’ academic credentials and other information submitted during registration.
Oloyede warned that submitting fictitious details could jeopardise UTME candidates' chances of securing admission into tertiary institutions.
2026 UTME: JAMB cancels special registration for albinism
Recall that JAMB cancelled special registration for albinism in the 2026 UTME due to misuse.
The examination body said over 7,000 candidates falsely claimed to be albinos last year, prompting this decision.
JAMB also urged faith-based institutions to clearly state their religious status from the outset.
Source: Twitter
Read more stories on JAMB/2026 UTME:
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- JAMB 2026: List of Educational Mobile Apps You Can Use to Prepare for UTME
- UTME 2026: JAMB Offers Free Forms to Persons With Disabilities, “For Candidates to Enjoy This”
- UTME 2026: List of 10 Most Sought-After Universities in Nigeria According to JAMB
- UTME 2026: JAMB Mentions Those Who Operate as ‘Professional’ Exams Takers
- JAMB 2026: Full List of Countries Where Candidates Can Sit for UTME Exams Outside Nigeria
- 2026 UTME/DE: Is It an Offence for Undergraduate Students to Register? JAMB Clarifies
JAMB urges universities to reverse irregular admissions
Legit.ng also reported that JAMB orders universities to reverse irregular admissions, favouring lower-ranked candidates.
Institutions must adhere to a defined admission framework prioritising merit, catchment, and educationally less developed states.
JAMB warns against tolerating the bypassing of higher-ranked candidates in admission processes.
Source: Legit.ng
