The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has reviewed its policy on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses, approving a controlled process to assist candidates who have genuinely lost access to their SIM cards or email accounts.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.
Recall that the Board had barred SIM swapping and email changes as a security measure in response to the vulnerabilities associated with such changes at the time.
In the statement on Monday, the Board however, noted that following the introduction of enhanced security measures, particularly stronger identity and biometric verification processes, it has reviewed the policy.
According to JAMB, the new arrangement, which commences on Monday, 21 September 2026, will enable candidates who have lost their registered SIM numbers, particularly those unable to use such numbers for registration for subsequent UTME exercises, as well as candidates whose registered email accounts can no longer be recovered, to update their details through a secure and controlled process.
It noted that the initiative is aimed at reducing the hardship and trauma associated with the loss of access to candidates’ registered credentials and making the processes leading to tertiary education admission more seamless.
The Board, however, stressed that the concession is subject to strict authentication procedures designed to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alteration of candidates’ records.
It added that the SIM swap and/or email change service shall be available only ONCE.
On availability and requirements, the exam body stated that the service is available only at JAMB CBT, PTC/PRC, Centres, including State Offices where applicable.
It noted that candidates seeking the service are required to present the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable; and
A duly executed Court Affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
While outlining a step-by step procedure for swapping, the Board said candidates are required to: 1) Log into the e-Facility profile using existing credentials, including the email address, Registration Number or Profile Code.
2) Select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
3) Proceed to the JAMB CBT, PTC/PRC, Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
Enter the candidate’s Profile Code or existing GSM number and click “Fetch Details.”
4) Undergo biometric verification.
Select the required service: GSM Number only, Email Address only, or Both GSM Number and Email Address.
5) Enter the new GSM number and/or email address and upload the scanned Court Affidavit.
6) Click “Update” to complete the process. 7) A confirmation message will be displayed upon successful completion.
Candidates are advised to use the service strictly for genuine cases and to patronise only designated JAMB CBT, PTC/PRC, Centres.
The reviewed policy reflects the Board’s commitment to combining strong data security with candidate-friendly service delivery, ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
