JAMB refines policies to ease registration and admission

JAMB said in a statement on 21 October 2026 that the board is refining policies and deploying technology to reduce candidate stress during registration, exams and admission.

The board is working to build trust and reduce trauma without fundamentally changing its existing operational framework. Improved access to admission information now provides more details about admission progress, replacing vague notifications like “not admitted” or “admission in progress”.

Technological innovations now allow candidates to update telephone numbers and email addresses more easily if they lose access to registered contact details. JAMB praised the National Identity Management Commission for collaborating to resolve discrepancies in candidates’ records, enabling legitimate personal data changes.

Aina warned that candidates attempting fraudulent exploitation of the system will face legal consequences. He defended the harmonisation of examination schedules, saying it may shorten preparation time but ensures timely release of results for admission exercises.

Aina said JAMB’s role includes not only running the UTME but also managing admissions and promoting fairness.

Who it affects

The changes affect all candidates who register for the UTME and those who apply for admission to tertiary institutions.

Key dates

• 21 October 2026: JAMB statement released