The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reviewed its policy on changing candidates’ registered telephone numbers and email addresses, allowing eligible candidates who have genuinely lost access to their original credentials to update their records through a controlled process.
The new arrangement commenced on Monday, September 21, 2026, and is intended particularly for candidates who have lost access to the SIM cards linked to their JAMB profiles or whose registered email accounts can no longer be recovered.
Why JAMB changed the policy
JAMB had previously restricted SIM swapping and changes to registered email addresses because of security risks associated with altering candidates’ personal credentials.
According to the Board, the introduction of stronger identity-authentication and biometric verification measures has provided additional safeguards against impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.
The revised policy is therefore designed to provide a solution for candidates who have legitimate difficulties accessing the phone numbers or email accounts attached to their JAMB profiles.
Where candidates can update their details
JAMB stated that the service is available only through designated JAMB Computer-Based Test centres, including Professional Test Centres (PTC), Professional Registration Centres (PRC) and State Offices where applicable.
Candidates are expected to personally undergo the required verification process rather than relying on agents or unauthorised individuals to make changes on their behalf.
Service can only be accessed once
One of the major conditions attached to the revised policy is that the SIM or email update service can be accessed only once.
Candidates who qualify for the service are therefore expected to carefully verify the new telephone number and/or email address they provide before completing the process.
JAMB will also subject requests to strict identity and biometric verification before any change is approved.
Affidavit requirement
Candidates seeking to change their registered contact details are also required to have their new GSM number and/or email address ready, together with a duly executed court affidavit that can be scanned and uploaded as part of the process.
The requirement is intended to provide an additional layer of documentation for requests involving changes to sensitive candidate information.
JAMB warns candidates against fraud
The Board has advised candidates to use only officially designated JAMB centres for the service and avoid individuals or unofficial channels offering to change their registered details.
Candidates should also protect their JAMB profile information, passwords, profile codes and other credentials from third parties. Existing JAMB registration guidance stresses that candidate profiles and associated security information are personal and should not be transferred or made available to other people.
What candidates should do
Candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered SIM or email should:
1. Obtain a valid and accessible replacement phone number and/or email address.
2. Prepare the required court affidavit.
3. Visit a designated JAMB CBT/PTC/PRC centre or applicable JAMB State Office.
4. Present themselves for identity and biometric verification.
5. Ensure that the new contact details are correct before the update is completed.
6. Avoid using unauthorised agents or unofficial channels.
7. Remember that the update service is available only once.
JAMB’s existing registration guidance also emphasises the importance of maintaining access to the phone number and email address used for candidate transactions because they are important channels for communication and profile-related services.
The policy change is expected to provide a formal avenue for candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered contact details while maintaining verification requirements designed to protect the integrity of JAMB records.