By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reviewed its policy on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses, allowing candidates who have genuinely lost access to their credentials to update them through a controlled process.
The new arrangement, which takes effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, is aimed at assisting candidates who have lost their registered SIM cards or are unable to recover their registered email accounts.
JAMB had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes as part of measures to protect candidates’ records against fraud and other security vulnerabilities. However, the Board said enhanced security measures, particularly stronger identity and biometric verification processes, had enabled it to review the policy.
Under the revised arrangement, candidates who have lost access to their registered GSM numbers, including those unable to use them for registration for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination exercises, can now update their details.
The service will also be available to candidates who can no longer recover their registered email accounts.
JAMB, however, stressed that the concession would be subject to strict authentication procedures to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alterations to candidates’ records.
It added that the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available to each candidate only once.
The service is available at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, including state offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, as well as a duly executed court affidavit scanned and ready for upload.
To access the service, candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code, and select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” before paying the prescribed fee.
They are then expected to proceed to a designated CBT centre, access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink, enter their profile code or existing GSM number and undergo biometric verification.
Candidates can select GSM number only, email address only, or both services, after which they will enter the new details and upload the scanned affidavit.
JAMB urged candidates to use the service strictly for genuine cases and patronise only designated centres.
The Board said the reviewed policy was part of efforts to strengthen data security while making its services more accessible to genuine candidates.