The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued one of its strongest warnings yet against multiple registration, stating that any candidate who registers more than once will have ALL registrations cancelled.

In a detailed section of its 2026 UTME/DE guidelines, JAMB made it clear that double registration and the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) will attract severe sanctions.

The Rules on Multiple Registration

Prohibited ActionConsequence
Registering more than onceALL registrations will be cancelled
Using multiple NINsSevere sanctions + possible ban
Double registration of any kindComplete cancellation of registration process

The press release stated: "Candidates are not permitted to register more than once. In the event of any error during the registration process, such candidates are to seek correction from the Board and not to obtain a fresh application, as duplication of application vitiates all the applications."

What to Do If You Make an Error

If You Notice an ErrorCorrect ActionWrong Action
Wrong name spellingVisit nearest JAMB officeDon't register again
Incorrect date of birthSeek correction from JAMBDon't buy another form
Wrong subject selectionGo to JAMB officeDon't create new profile
Wrong institution choiceRequest official correctionDon't use another NIN

JAMB explained that the profile code system is designed to prevent multiple registrations:

  1. One NIN = One profile code
  2. One phone number = One profile code
  3. Profile code remains the same for all future JAMB applications
  4. Cannot be transferred or sold

Biometric System as Anti-Duplication Measure

The compulsory biometric capture (all 10 fingerprints + photograph) serves as JAMB's primary tool for detecting multiple registrations.

Biometric FeaturePurpose
10 fingerprintsUnique identification across all registrations
Live photographPrevents impersonation
Database matchingDetects duplicate entries

The system automatically flags any candidate whose biometrics match an existing registration.

Previous Admission Disclosure Now Compulsory

In a related development, JAMB has made it compulsory for candidates to disclose previous admission (matriculation) status.

RequirementDetails
What to DiscloseIf previously admitted to any institution
When to DiscloseAt point of registration
How to DiscloseIndicate previous registration details with year of UTME/DE
Consequence of Non DisclosureAutomatic invalidation of registration and previous admission

"Candidates are henceforth required to disclose their admission (matriculation) status by indicating their previous registration details with the year of UTME/DE at the point of registration. Any false or non-declaration of previous registration/matriculation will automatically invalidate the candidate's registration/previous admission."

If you were previously admitted to University A and want to change to University B, you MUST declare your previous admission. If you don't, both admissions become invalid.

JAMB provided guidance for specific situations:

For Previously Admitted Candidates

SituationWhat to Do
Want to change institutionDeclare previous admission, register normally
Want to change programmeDeclare previous admission, select new programme
Want to start afreshDeclare previous admission, explain reason

"Having been previously admitted (matriculated) and wishing to change or start afresh in another institution or programme is allowed, however, failure to disclose such prior admission is an offence," JAMB stated.

For Previously Registered Candidates

Candidates who registered for UTME in previous years will:

  • Receive the same profile code on their registered number
  • Have their previous data automatically loaded
  • Need to update only current year information

JAMB has also banned group or school-based registration completely.

"GROUP/SCHOOL BASED REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES IS NOT ALLOWED. MOST CANDIDATES REGRET IT THEREAFTER."