The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that university students would be allowed to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
During a visit to oversee the ongoing registration process in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the second matriculation ceremony at Wigwe University, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, labeled these assertions as intentional misinformation propagated by fraudsters.
“Contrary to what some people are saying, students currently enrolled in universities are completely eligible to register for UTME,” Prof. Oloyede stated.
“Anyone suggesting otherwise is misrepresenting the board.”
He mentioned that some individuals have even impersonated JAMB officials and conducted press conferences under the board’s name.
“Authorities have already arrested some of these con artists, including those creating fake identity cards and claiming to act on behalf of JAMB,” he added.
Prof. Oloyede stressed that students who have already matriculated can still apply for a different course, transfer to another university, or start over if they wish.
He highlighted past issues, noting that over 800,000 candidates were admitted in the last cycle, with some seeking changes in courses or institutions.
Regarding exam malpractice, the registrar observed a gradual decrease in violations but warned that challenges persist.
He also urged parents to set a good example, warning against encouraging unethical behavior.
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“Many young people look up to their elders. It is crucial to instill integrity at home to prevent a culture of corruption from continuing,” Prof. Oloyede emphasized.
Regarding the board’s preparedness for this year’s registration, he acknowledged that mistakes occurred in 2025 but assured that measures have been put in place to avoid a repeat.
“Claims that certain groups, such as albinos, would be excluded from registration are entirely false. All issues have been resolved,” he stated.
JAMB currently operates 984 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers across the country, with plans to increase that number to 1,000.
Registration will close on February 28, 2026, with no extensions expected.
