The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has cautioned candidates participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination against breaching registration rules or violating the attestation they endorsed during the registration process.
The warning was issued by the Registrar of the Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, as the 2026 UTME registration exercise, which began on January 26, entered its third week.
Prof. Oloyede stressed the gravity of registration-related offences while addressing media executives penultimate week, remarks that were later captured in JAMB’s weekly bulletin published on the Board’s website on Monday.
According to the Registrar, “Registration infraction is a serious offence, noting that candidates may be barred from sitting the UTME for up to three years.
“In addition, names of defaulters may be published by the Board in the national dailies as well as circulated to other public examination bodies.”
He further revealed that candidates found culpable could also be referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, or the Nigerian Police for prosecution.
Commenting on the attestation signed by candidates during registration, Oloyede explained that the declaration compels applicants to submit truthful and accurate details in their forms and supporting documents.
He warned that any form of data falsification would attract sanctions in line with the Board’s regulations.
“The attestation clause, now an integral part of the application documents, has been incorporated into the registration process due to lessons learned from previous legal battles with candidates,” Oloyede explained.
He added that the attestation also functions as a formal validation mechanism, confirming the authenticity of candidates’ academic credentials and all information supplied during registration, thereby helping the Board curb fraudulent practices.
The Registrar therefore advised candidates to refrain from submitting false or misleading information, cautioning that such actions could seriously undermine their chances of securing admission into tertiary institutions.
What you should know
JAMB’s warning reflects its renewed effort to tighten the integrity of the UTME registration process.
In recent years, the Board has faced multiple legal disputes and cases of falsified data, prompting stricter measures such as mandatory attestations. By linking registration infractions to long-term bans, public naming, and possible prosecution, JAMB aims to deter malpractice and protect the credibility of public examinations.
Candidates are expected to understand that the information submitted during registration is subject to verification and that any inconsistencies could affect not only their UTME participation but also future academic opportunities.
