By ANITA KNIGHT

JAMB Eases SIM, Email Change Rules for Candidates

THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has relaxed restrictions on changing candidates’ registered GSM numbers and email addresses.

The new arrangement takes effect from Monday 21 September 2026, and is targeted at candidates who have lost access to the phone numbers or email accounts linked to their JAMB profiles.

New Provision for Affected Candidates

Under the revised arrangement, eligible candidates can request changes to their registered contact details through a controlled process.

However, JAMB made clear that the facility is not intended for routine changes. It specifically applies to candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered SIM cards or email accounts.

The Board also imposed a strict condition on the service.

“THE SERVICE CAN BE ACCESSED ONLY ONCE!” JAMB stated in its directive.

Affidavit Required

Candidates seeking to use the facility must provide their new GSM number and/or email address.

They must also obtain a duly executed court affidavit and have a scanned copy ready for upload during the process.

Requests must be handled at designated JAMB PTC/PRC Centres, including State Offices where applicable.

JAMB Warns Against Unauthorised Agents

The Board warned candidates against relying on unauthorised individuals or channels to process the changes.

JAMB specifically advised candidates: “Do not patronise unauthorised persons or channels.”

The warning is particularly significant because the registered phone number serves as an important identifier in JAMB’s candidate-management system. Earlier 2026 registration guidelines required candidates to use a unique phone number and keep their registered contact details secure. JAMB

Stronger Verification Behind Policy Review

JAMB said the review follows the introduction of stronger identity and biometric verification measures.

According to the Board, these safeguards have made it possible to reconsider its previous restrictions while maintaining controls against fraudulent alterations to candidates’ records.

The new arrangement therefore provides a controlled avenue for genuine candidates who have lost access to their registered contact details without opening the system to unrestricted changes.