JAMB allows candidates to change lost phone numbers, emails under new verification rules

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has relaxed its restrictions on SIM swapping and email changes for candidates, allowing those who have lost access to their registered phone numbers or email accounts to update their details under a controlled verification process.

The revised policy takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement issued by JAMB’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

The development will enable affected candidates to change their registered GSM numbers, email addresses or both where they can no longer access the details originally linked to their JAMB profiles.

JAMB had previously restricted SIM swaps and email changes because of security concerns surrounding unauthorised alterations to candidates’ registered credentials.

However, the Board said improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification systems had made it possible to review the policy while maintaining the integrity and security of candidates’ records.

The new arrangement is expected to provide relief to candidates who have lost access to their registered phone numbers or email accounts and consequently face difficulties with subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) processes.

JAMB said the revised policy was introduced to ensure that genuine candidates were not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

It, however, warned that strict authentication procedures would apply to the service to guard against impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.

The Board also stated that each candidate would be permitted to access the SIM swap and/or email change service only once.

The service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) PTC/PRC Centres, including State Offices where applicable.

Candidates seeking to change their details are required to provide the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable.

They must also present a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and made available for upload during the process.

How to Change SIM or Email Details on JAMB Portal

JAMB outlined a seven-step procedure for candidates seeking to use the newly revised facility.

First, candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profiles using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code.

They should then select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the available menu and pay the prescribed fee.

After completing the payment, the candidate must proceed to a designated JAMB CBT PTC/PRC Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.

The candidate will then enter the profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details.”

Biometric verification will subsequently be conducted to authenticate the candidate’s identity.

After successful verification, the candidate will select the service required — GSM number only, email address only, or both GSM number and email address.

The candidate will enter the new GSM number and/or email address and upload the scanned court affidavit before selecting “Update” to complete the process.

A confirmation message will be displayed once the update has been successfully completed.

JAMB urged candidates to use the facility only in genuine cases and warned them against patronising unauthorised outlets.

The Board said the revised policy was part of its efforts to strike a balance between protecting candidates’ data and improving service delivery, while ensuring that legitimate candidates do not suffer unnecessary setbacks in their pursuit of admission into tertiary institutions.