The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has eased its long-standing restriction on changing candidates’ registered GSM numbers and email addresses, allowing candidates who have lost access to their credentials to update them.

The revised policy allows candidates who have lost their registered SIM cards or email accounts to update their details through a controlled verification process designed to prevent fraud and unauthorised access.

The new arrangement takes effect Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement issued by JAMB’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

The examination body had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes because of security vulnerabilities associated with alterations to candidates’ registered credentials.

However, JAMB said the emergence of stronger identity authentication and biometric verification systems had enabled it to review the policy without compromising the integrity of candidates’ records.

The development is expected to provide relief to candidates who have lost access to their registered phone numbers or email accounts, making it difficult for them to complete subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) processes.

The reviewed policy is aimed at ensuring that genuine candidates were not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

It, however, warned that the concession would operate under strict authentication procedures to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alterations of candidates’ records.

Significantly, the Board said the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available to each candidate only once.

Where can candidates access the service?

The board explained that the service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) (PTC/PRC) Centres, including State Offices where applicable.

Candidates seeking to change their registered details are required to provide the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, as well as a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and ready for upload.

JAMB has released a seven-step procedure for candidates seeking to change their registered GSM numbers or email addresses.

1. Candidates are required to first log into their e-Facility profiles using their existing email addresses, registration numbers or profile codes.

2. They should then select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.

3. After making payment, candidates are required to visit a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.

4. They will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and click “Fetch Details”.

5. The process will then require biometric verification, after which candidates can select whether to change their GSM number, email address, or both.

6. They will subsequently enter the new GSM number and/or email address, upload a scanned court affidavit and click “Update” to complete the process.

7. A confirmation message will appear once the update is successful.

JAMB urged candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and cautioned them against patronising unauthorised outlets.

According to the Board, the revised policy is aimed at balancing data security with candidate-friendly service delivery and preventing legitimate candidates from facing unnecessary difficulties in their pursuit of tertiary education.