The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has lifted its longstanding restriction on the replacement of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changes to their registered email addresses.
The development will allow candidates who have lost access to their registered SIM cards or email accounts to update their details through a controlled verification process.
The new policy takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement by JAMB’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
JAMB had previously barred SIM swapping and changes to registered email addresses due to concerns that such alterations could expose candidates’ profiles to fraud, impersonation and unauthorised access.
However, the Board said improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification had made it possible to review the restriction while maintaining the security of candidates’ records.
The new arrangement is expected to provide relief for candidates who have been unable to access their profiles or complete subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination processes after losing their registered telephone numbers or email accounts.
JAMB said the service was introduced to ensure that genuine candidates were not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
It, however, stressed that the process would be subject to strict authentication procedures to prevent fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.
The Board also stated that the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available to each candidate only once.
According to JAMB, the service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test centres, including State Offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking to change their registered details are required to provide the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable. They must also provide a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and uploaded during the process.
JAMB outlined a seven-step procedure for candidates seeking to use the service.
First, candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profiles using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code.
They should then select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
After payment, the candidate is expected to proceed to a designated JAMB CBT centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
The candidate will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details.”
This will be followed by biometric verification, after which the candidate will select the required service — GSM number only, email address only, or both.
The candidate will then enter the new GSM number and/or email address, upload the scanned court affidavit and click “Update” to complete the process.
A confirmation message will be displayed once the update is successfully completed.
JAMB urged candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and warned them against patronising unauthorised outlets.
The Board said the revised policy was aimed at balancing data security with improved service delivery, ensuring that legitimate candidates do not face unnecessary difficulties in their pursuit of admission into tertiary institutions.