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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted its restriction on changing registered GSM numbers and email addresses for candidates who have lost access to their credentials.
The revised policy takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement by JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Under the new arrangement, candidates who have lost their registered SIM cards or can no longer access their email accounts may update the details through a strict verification process.
JAMB said the policy was reviewed following improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification systems, which it said would help protect candidates’ profiles from fraud and unauthorised changes.
The board explained that the previous restriction was introduced because of security risks associated with changing candidates’ registered contact details.
It said the new policy was intended to prevent genuine candidates from being disadvantaged when they lose access to their registered telephone numbers or email accounts.
However, JAMB stressed that each candidate would be allowed to use the SIM swap or email change service only once.
The service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) PTC/PRC centres, including applicable state offices.
Candidates seeking the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address and a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and uploaded during the process.
To access the service, candidates are expected to log into their JAMB e-Facility profile, select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” and pay the prescribed fee.
They will then proceed to a designated centre, select the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink, enter their profile code or existing GSM number and undergo biometric verification.
Candidates will subsequently select whether they want to change their GSM number, email address or both, enter the new details, upload the scanned affidavit and complete the update.
A confirmation message will be displayed after a successful update.
JAMB urged candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and warned against patronising unauthorised outlets.
The board said the revised policy was aimed at balancing data security with improved services for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
