Oluwatobi Adu 
Registrar, JAMB, Professor Segun Aina
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates against identity fraud as it introduces greater flexibility for updating personal information, including registered telephone numbers and email addresses.
JAMB Registrar Professor Segun Aina gave the warning on Wednesday during an interaction with candidates at the board’s Abuja Zonal Office as part of activities marking its 2026 Customer Week.
Aina said technological improvements had enabled the board to address difficulties experienced by candidates who lose access to their registered telephone numbers or email accounts, which previously served as unique identifiers in its system. He explained that the previous arrangement made it difficult for candidates to update their details when they could no longer access their registered contact information.
The new approach, he said, was designed to make legitimate changes easier while protecting the integrity of registration and admission processes. JAMB Warns UTME Candidates Against Identity Fraud.
Aina said the board had strengthened its collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure candidates’ information remained consistent across both institutions. He explained that JAMB had previously relied on NIMC records during registration but restricted changes because of concerns that candidates could exploit the process to assume different identities while seeking admission.
The registrar said improved technology had made it possible to accommodate legitimate requests while maintaining appropriate safeguards. “If you would like to change your entire name, we will keep track of you. And if you are trying to take advantage of the system, please get ready. You will be feeling the full weight of the law in due course,” Aina warned.
He stressed that the board would not tolerate fraudulent attempts to manipulate personal information. Aina also commended NIMC for its cooperation in resolving issues involving inconsistencies in candidates’ details.
The adjustments are part of JAMB’s wider efforts to improve service delivery and reduce difficulties candidates encounter during registration and admission. For candidates who have lost access to registered contact details, a more flexible update process could help restore access to essential examination and admission services.
However, the changes do not mean candidates can freely alter their identities or make unsupported changes to official records. JAMB’s collaboration with NIMC is intended to help verify personal information and maintain consistency across institutional databases.
The board has emphasised that greater flexibility must not undermine the credibility of its examination and admission processes. The registrar’s warning highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of candidates’ personal information as examination authorities adopt more flexible digital services.
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