ABUJA — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that undergraduates are allowed to register for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) exams, provided they disclose any existing matriculation status at the point of registration.
In a statement issued by JAMB Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board, emphasised that claims barring currently enrolled tertiary students from registering are false.
“JAMB does not prohibit candidates who are already enrolled in tertiary institutions from registering for UTME/DE,” the statement read. “Disclosure is required strictly for record and regulatory purposes and to prevent multiple admissions.”
The Board explained that failure to disclose existing matriculation constitutes an offence. The system can detect prior enrolment, and candidates who deliberately conceal this information risk forfeiting both opportunities.
Benjamin added that once a candidate secures admission through the latest UTME/DE registration, any previous admission automatically ceases, as Nigerian law does not permit holding two admissions concurrently.
JAMB also cautioned the public against misleading interpretations circulated by “self-styled education advocates” and urged students and parents to rely solely on official JAMB publications for accurate information.
This advisory comes ahead of the 2026 UTME/DE registration period, reinforcing transparency and compliance with national admission regulations. Prospective candidates are advised to carefully follow JAMB guidelines to avoid disqualification or legal implications.
Plateau News Online 