The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has debunked viral rumours claiming that students currently enrolled in universities or other tertiary institutions are banned from sitting for the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry (DE).
In an official statement signed by the Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB clarified that it is completely legal for a current tertiary student to register for and write the 2026 UTME or DE, provided they follow the mandatory disclosure rule.
How the Mandatory Matriculation Disclosure Rule Works
- You Can Re-Apply to Change Course/School: If you are currently in 100 or 200 level and wish to write UTME afresh for a new course or university, you are allowed to do so.
- You Must Disclose Your Current Admission During Registration: JAMB requires you to declare your existing matriculation details on the registration template.
- Automatic Forfeiture of Old Admission Upon New Admission: Under Nigerian law, no candidate is permitted to hold two undergraduate admissions at the same time. Once you secure and accept a new admission via UTME/DE, your former admission automatically ceases.
- Penalty for Hiding Previous Matriculation: JAMB's central database automatically flags prior matriculation records. If you conceal your existing admission status, you risk losing both your old and new admissions, and the rule also helps JAMB prosecute professional exam mercenaries.
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