JAMB Warns 2026 UTME Candidates Against False Information, Says Offenders Risk Losing Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)has issued a strong warning to candidates registering forthe 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME ), cautioning them against providing false ormisleading information during the registration process . According to the board , candidates who submit incorrectpersonal or academic details risk losing their admissionand may face additional sanctions , including being barredfrom future examinations and possible prosecution . JAMB said the warning is part of its effort to protect theintegrity of the admission process and ensure that onlyqualified and honest candidates gain access to tertiaryinstitutions . False Information Could Lead to Severe Sanctions JAMB explained that any form of registration infractionis considered a serious offence . This includes deliberatelyaltering personal data , falsifying academic records , orsubmitting documents that do not belong to the candidate .Offenders , the board said , may be banned fromparticipating in UTME for up to three years . In some cases, their names may also be made public as part ofdisciplinary measures .The examination body stressed that false information doesnot only affect the registration stage but can also causeproblems during admission screening and clearance byinstitutions . Attestation Clause Makes Candidates Fully Responsible JAMB linked its warning to the attestation clauseincluded in the registration process .During registration , candidates are required to sign adeclaration confirming that all information anddocuments submitted are genuine and accurate . Bysigning this clause , candidates accept full responsibility fortheir entries .The board said the attestation clause serves as a legal andadministrative safeguard , making it easier to holdcandidates accountable if false information is laterdiscovered .It also helps to reduce disputes and legal challenges thatmay arise after registration or admission decisions . Common Areas Where Candidates Make Mistakes JAMB noted that many problems in previous admissionexercises were traced to errors and misrepresentation inkey areas such as : Incorrect spelling or arrangement of names Wrong date of birth Inconsistent personal details across documents Incorrect OLevel subjects or grades Use of results that cannot be verified Failure to disclose required personal or academic statusWhile the board acknowledged that minor mistakes canhappen , it warned that deliberately changing informationto gain advantage will not be tolerated .Candidates were advised to take time to review everysection of their registration before submission . Warning to Already Matriculated Students JAMB also addressed candidates who are already enrolledin tertiary institutions and still wish to register for UTME .According to the board , such candidates must honestlydisclose their status where required during registration .Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of both theirexisting admission and any new admission securedthrough UTME .The board said non -disclosure of relevant information isregarded as an act of dishonesty and will attract penaltieswhen discovered . Use Only Accredited Registration CentresThe examination body warned candidates against usingunaccredited centres , roadside agents , or unverifiedmiddlemen to handle their registration .JAMB explained that many cases of altered or incorrectdata occur when candidates hand over their details tounauthorized individuals .Candidates were encouraged to register only at approvedComputer -Based Test (CBT )centres , where properprocedures are followed and entries can be verified beforesubmission .Accredited centres , JAMB said , also allow candidates toconfirm their information on -screen before finalizing theprocess . Registration Deadline Will Not Be Extended JAMB reminded candidates that the 2026 UTMEregistration has a fixed closing date and that no extensionwill be granted .The board advised candidates to avoid waiting until thefinal days , when overcrowding and pressure can lead toerrors .Late registration , it noted , often results in rusheddecisions , incomplete reviews , and costly mistakes thatcould affect admission chances . Importance of Keeping Registration Records Candidates were advised to keep copies of all registrationdocuments , including : Registration slips Payment receipts Confirmation printouts Any correction recordsJAMB said these documents may be needed later duringadmission screening , clearance , or complaint resolution .Keeping both physical and digital copies wasrecommended for safety . JAMB Reaffirms Commitment to Examination Integrity The board reiterated its commitment to maintainingfairness and transparency in the examination andadmission process .It said it would continue to work with relevant governmentagencies and institutions to monitor compliance andenforce its rules .JAMB added that its goal is not to punish candidatesunnecessarily but to encourage honesty , accuracy , andresponsibility throughout the admission system . Advice to Candidates and Parents JAMB urged candidates , parents , and guardians to treatthe registration process with seriousness and patience .Candidates were encouraged to : Prepare correct personal and academic details in advance Read all instructions carefully Ask questions at accredited centres when unsure Review all entries before signing the attestation clauseParents and guardians were also advised to guidecandidates without pressuring them to manipulate recordsor seek shortcuts .The examination body stressed that UTME registration isthe foundation of the entire admission process . Any falseinformation entered at this stage can have long -termconsequences .JAMB therefore advised all 2026 UTME candidates toregister honestly , verify their details thoroughly , andcomply fully with established guidelines to avoid losingtheir opportunity for admission .   The post JAMB Warns 2026 UTME Candidates Against False Information, Says Offenders Risk Losing Admission appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.