Abuja, September 21, 2026 — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted its previous ban on the swapping of candidates’ registered phone numbers (SIM cards) and changing of registered email addresses.
The move allows genuine candidates who have lost access to their credentials to update their records through a secure, controlled process.
The new policy takes effect on Monday, September 21, 2026. It is designed to ease difficulties faced by candidates who can no longer access their registered SIM cards or recover their email accounts, particularly those needing new numbers for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration.
JAMB had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes as a security measure due to vulnerabilities linked to altering candidates’ registered credentials.
Following the introduction of enhanced security measures—especially stronger identity authentication and biometric verification—the Board reviewed the policy to assist affected candidates without compromising the integrity of their records.
Under the reviewed arrangement, candidates may apply to change their GSM number, email address, or both. The service is available only once to each candidate and exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, including Professional Test Centres (PTC), Professional Registration Centres (PRC), and state offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking the service must provide a new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, along with a duly executed court affidavit that has been scanned and is ready for upload. They must also undergo strict identity and biometric verification.
How to Access the Service
According to a statement by JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the process involves these steps:
- Log into the e-Facility profile using existing credentials (email address, registration number, or profile code).
- Select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
- Proceed to a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
- Enter the profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details.”
- Undergo biometric verification.
- Select the required service: GSM number only, email address only, or both.
- Enter the new GSM number and/or email address, upload the scanned court affidavit, and click “Update” to complete the process. A confirmation message will appear upon success.
JAMB has warned candidates to use only designated centres and to avoid unauthorised persons or unofficial channels. The Board emphasised that the service is strictly for candidates with genuine cases of lost access.
The policy change forms part of JAMB’s ongoing efforts under initiatives such as JCARE and JAMB Updates to improve candidate support while maintaining robust safeguards against fraud. Candidates are advised to ensure their new contact details are accurate and fully under their control, as the one-time nature of the service leaves no room for subsequent corrections through this channel.
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