The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new policy mandating all candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to declare their current admission status, indicating whether they are already students of any tertiary institution.

According to the Board, the decision is part of efforts to combat impersonation and examination malpractice. Findings from JAMB’s 2025 UTME Infraction Report revealed that over 90 percent of those caught engaging in exam misconduct were already students of various tertiary institutions attempting to exploit the system.

JAMB emphasized that the UTME remains exclusively for candidates seeking fresh admission into higher institutions. The Board warned that any applicant who conceals or falsifies their admission status would face stringent sanctions, including withdrawal of any prior admission, cancellation of the ongoing registration, and possible prosecution under extant laws.