JAMB Announces New Rule for 2026 UTME Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has introduced a new policy requiring candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to declare their current admission status.

According to JAMB, the move aims to curb examination malpractice and ensure that the UTME is strictly for fresh admission seekers. Candidates who fail to comply with the new policy risk facing severe consequences, including cancellation of registration and withdrawal of admission.

JAMB's findings revealed that over 90% of candidates caught engaging in malpractice in 2025 were already students of tertiary institutions. The new policy seeks to maintain the integrity of the admission process.