Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) warns candidates already enrolled in tertiary institutions that failure to declare their matriculation status during the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry registration will result in forfeiture of both admissions.
JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, issued the warning on Wednesday amid what he describes as widespread misinformation by self-styled education advocates.
“Candidates are permitted to apply, but concealment is a violation,” Benjamin says. “No Nigerian law allows a student to hold two admissions at the same time.”
He explains that disclosure simply ensures that once a new admission is secured, the previous one automatically lapses. According to JAMB, candidates who deliberately suppress their status risk losing both opportunities.
Benjamin says investigations reveal that some matriculated students act as examination mercenaries, exploiting loopholes to sit multiple exams.
“Our system can detect prior matriculation,” he adds. “When deception is discovered, sanctions are unavoidable.”
The Board urges parents and candidates to rely solely on official guidelines rather than misleading social media narratives.
JAMB also confirms that registration for the 2026 UTME begins January 26, introducing stricter monitoring standards. Under the new “No Vision, No Registration, No UTME” policy, Computer-Based Test centres without remote surveillance will be barred from participation.
Officials say the measures aim to restore credibility, curb malpractice and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process.
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