JAMB allows one-time SIM swap, email change for candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has opened a one-time facility for candidates who have lost access to their registered telephone numbers or email accounts to update the details.

The new arrangement, which takes effect Monday, September 21, 2026, allows eligible candidates to replace their registered GSM numbers, email addresses or both, subject to biometric and other identity verification measures.

The board said the decision followed improvements in its authentication and biometric systems, which it said could now support the changes without compromising the security of candidates’ profiles.

JAMB had previously barred SIM swaps and email changes because of concerns that such alterations could expose candidates’ records to fraud, impersonation and unauthorised access.

In a statement by its Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the board said the revised policy was aimed at ensuring that candidates who genuinely lost access to their credentials were not prevented from participating in subsequent UTME-related processes.

However, JAMB stressed that the service could only be accessed once by each candidate and would be provided exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (PTC/PRC) centres, including state offices where applicable.

Candidates seeking the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as well as a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and uploaded during the process.

How candidates can change their details

Candidates are required to log into their JAMB e-Facility accounts using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code.

They must then select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” and pay the prescribed fee.

After payment, the candidate is expected to visit a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.

The candidate will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details”, after which biometric verification will be conducted.

Candidates will then select whether they want to change their GSM number, email address or both, enter the new details and upload the scanned court affidavit.

The process is completed by clicking “Update”, after which a confirmation message will be displayed if the change is successful.

JAMB advised candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and warned them against using unauthorised agents or outlets.

The board said the measure was intended to balance the protection of candidates’ data with the need to provide solutions for those who lose access to their registered credentials.