JAMB Eases Restrictions on SIM Swap, Email Change By Beauty Alporido Aroh
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has relaxed its restrictions on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses, allowing candidates who have genuinely lost access to their credentials to update their details through a controlled process.
The new arrangement, which takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, followed the introduction of enhanced security measures, particularly stronger identity and biometric verification systems, the Board said.
JAMB had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes because of security vulnerabilities associated with alterations to candidates’ records. The Board said the reviewed policy was introduced to address genuine cases involving candidates who had lost access to their registered SIM cards or could no longer recover their email accounts.
Under the new policy, candidates who have lost their registered GSM numbers, particularly those unable to use them for subsequent UTME registration, as well as candidates whose registered email accounts are no longer accessible, may apply to update their details.
The Board, however, said the concession would be subject to strict authentication procedures to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.
It stressed that the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available to each candidate only once.
Candidates seeking the service are required to visit designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centres, including State Offices where applicable, with their new GSM number and/or email address and a duly executed Court Affidavit scanned and ready for upload.
To access the service, candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their email address, Registration Number or Profile Code, select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” and pay the prescribed fee.
They are thereafter expected to proceed to a designated CBT centre, access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink, enter their Profile Code or existing GSM number and undergo biometric verification.
After verification, candidates will select the service required — GSM Number only, Email Address only, or both — enter their new details, upload the scanned Court Affidavit and click “Update” to complete the process.
A confirmation message will be displayed upon successful completion.
The Board advised candidates to use the service strictly for genuine cases and to patronise only designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centres.
JAMB said the policy review was aimed at balancing data security with improved service delivery and ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
