The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has provided important clarifications for undergraduate students in tertiary institutions who wish to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or the Direct Entry (DE) programme.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, explained that it is not an offence for a candidate to register for the UTME or DE while still enrolled in a tertiary institution. However, he cautioned that no candidate is legally allowed to hold two admissions simultaneously. Once a student secures a new admission, their previous admission automatically becomes void.
Dr. Benjamin emphasized that the 2026 UTME/DE registration guidelines clearly instruct candidates to declare their matriculation status. This requirement applies to those already in school who intend to sit for the UTME for various reasons.
He expressed concern over the misrepresentation of JAMB’s directives, stating that some self-styled education advocates have distorted the Board’s instructions for personal gain on social media. According to Benjamin, many of these individuals fail to read or understand the official guidelines and instead rush to publicize misleading narratives.
“For clarity and in line with its statutory mandate to prevent multiple matriculations, the Board directs that all candidates registering for the 2026 UTME/DE must disclose their matriculation status where applicable,” he said.
He reiterated that while registration by currently enrolled students is permissible, failing to disclose matriculation status constitutes an offence. Disclosure ensures that any new admission automatically overrides the previous one. Benjamin added that the Board’s system can detect prior matriculation, and candidates who fail to declare this risk forfeiting both admissions.
Dr. Benjamin also warned the public to be wary of misleading education advocates and urged candidates and parents to carefully read the official guidelines rather than relying on distorted interpretations.
