The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to candidates against committing registration violations or breaching the attestation clause signed during the registration process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Professor Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB's Registrar, delivered the caution as the examination registration, which began on 26th January, entered its third week.

Whilst addressing media executives recently, as documented in JAMB's weekly bulletin published on its website on Monday, Prof. Oloyede underscored the gravity of registration offences.

According to the Registrar, "Registration infraction is a serious offence," noting that candidates may be barred from sitting the UTME for up to three years.

"In addition, names of defaulters may be published by the Board in the national dailies as well as circulated to other public examination bodies," he stated.

Prof. Oloyede further revealed that offenders could be referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, or the Nigerian Police for prosecution.

Regarding the attestation clause which candidates sign during registration, the Registrar explained that the declaration obligates candidates to furnish truthful and accurate information in their applications and supporting documentation. He emphasised that any attempt to falsify data would result in appropriate sanctions.

"The attestation clause, now an integral part of the application documents, has been incorporated into the registration process due to lessons learned from previous legal battles with candidates," Prof. Oloyede explained.

He further noted that the attestation functions as a formal verification mechanism, authenticating academic credentials and all information provided during registration, thereby helping to prevent fraudulent activities.

The Registrar strongly advised candidates to refrain from submitting fictitious information, cautioning that such conduct could jeopardise their prospects of securing tertiary education admission.

The warning comes amidst ongoing efforts by JAMB to maintain the integrity of the examination process and ensure that only qualified and honest candidates gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.