JAMB Clarifies Rules for Undergraduates Registering for 2026 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued an important clarification regarding registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
As of April 3, 2026, JAMB confirmed that undergraduates currently enrolled in any Nigerian tertiary institution are permitted to register and sit for the 2026 UTME, but they must accurately declare their current student status during the registration process.
Key Guidelines from JAMB
– Undergraduates may register for the 2026 UTME while still studying in a university, polytechnic or college of education.
– Candidates must honestly declare their existing enrolment status on the JAMB registration portal.
– Dual admission (accepting admission into two different programmes or institutions simultaneously) remains strictly illegal.
– All universities and tertiary institutions have been directed to identify and
– reverse any irregular or multiple admission offers already made to candidates.
– JAMB will continue strict monitoring to enforce compliance.
The board warned that any candidate found engaging in double registration or accepting multiple admissions without proper disclosure risks cancellation of all results and admissions.
Important Advice for Candidates
With the 2026 UTME scheduled to hold from *April 16 to April 25, 2026*, candidates who are already undergraduates and wish to change their course or institution should:
– Clearly indicate their current student status during registration.
– Follow the official withdrawal procedure from their current programme before accepting any new offer.
– Avoid any form of multiple registration.
This clarification is coming at a critical time as many students explore options to switch programmes ahead of the next academic session.
Key Points
– Undergraduates can register for the 2026 UTME if they declare their current status.
– Dual admissions are illegal and will not be allowed.
– Universities must reverse any irregular admission offers.
– 2026 UTME examination window: April 16 – 25, 2026.
– Full compliance with JAMB rules is mandatory.
Candidates are advised to visit the official JAMB website (www.jamb.gov.ng) or any accredited registration centre for further guidance before completing their forms.