The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted its ban on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses, allowing a one time update for candidates who have genuinely lost access to their SIM cards or email accounts.
The new policy takes effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, following the introduction of enhanced security measures, particularly stronger identity and biometric verification processes.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Board said the arrangement would assist candidates whose registered SIM numbers or email accounts are no longer accessible.
The development will particularly benefit candidates who need to use a new phone number to register for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exercises, as well as those who can no longer recover their registered email accounts.
JAMB said the measure is intended to reduce the hardship associated with losing access to registered credentials and make the processes leading to tertiary education admission more seamless.
However, the Board stressed that the concession would be subject to strict authentication procedures designed to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alteration of candidates’ records.
The SIM swap and/or email change service can be accessed only once and is available at JAMB Computer Based Test (CBT) Centres, including State Offices where applicable.
According to the statement, candidates seeking the service must provide:
- The new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable.
- A duly executed court affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
Procedure
Candidates are required to:
- Log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code.
- Select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
- Proceed to a JAMB CBT Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
- Enter their profile code or existing GSM number and click “Fetch Details.”
- Undergo biometric verification.
- Select the required service GSM number only, email address only, or both GSM number and email address.
- Enter the new GSM number and/or email address and upload the scanned court affidavit.
- Click “Update” to complete the process.
A confirmation message will be displayed upon successful completion.
JAMB advised candidates to use the service strictly for genuine cases and to patronise only designated JAMB CBT Centres.
The Board said the reviewed policy is aimed at balancing data security with candidate friendly service delivery, ensuring that genuine candidates are not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
