The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has eased its restriction on the swapping of candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing of registered email addresses.
The new arrangement takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, and is aimed at helping candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered phone numbers or email accounts.
Under the revised policy, eligible candidates can now request to change their registered GSM number, email address, or both through a controlled verification process.
JAMB said the decision followed the introduction of stronger identity authentication and biometric verification measures designed to protect candidates’ records from impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alterations.
Why JAMB reviewed the policy
JAMB had previously restricted SIM swaps and changes to registered email addresses because alterations to candidates’ registered credentials could create security vulnerabilities.
The restriction meant that candidates who lost their registered SIM cards or could no longer recover their email accounts could face difficulties accessing services connected to their JAMB profiles.
With the deployment of enhanced identity and biometric verification systems, the Board said it can now provide a controlled avenue for genuine candidates to update their contact details while maintaining safeguards around their records.
The revised policy is particularly relevant to candidates who may need to use a new phone number for subsequent UTME processes but no longer have access to the number originally linked to their JAMB profile.
JAMB SIM swap and email change: Important conditions
Although JAMB has relaxed the restriction, the service is not an unrestricted change-of-details facility.
The Board said the service can be accessed only once by each candidate.
Candidates must also complete the process through designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, including Professional Test Centres (PTC), Professional Registration Centres (PRC) and State Offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking to use the service must provide:
- Their new GSM number and/or email address.
- A duly executed court affidavit.
- A scanned copy of the affidavit ready for upload.
- Their existing JAMB profile information for verification.
JAMB said candidates must undergo biometric verification as part of the process.
How to change your JAMB phone number or email
JAMB has outlined the following procedure for candidates who qualify for the service:
Step 1: Log into JAMB e-Facility
Candidates should first log into their JAMB e-Facility profile using their available existing credentials, which may include their registered email address, registration number or profile code.
Step 2: Select the payment option
From the available menu, select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” and pay the prescribed fee.
Step 3: Visit a designated JAMB centre
After making payment, the candidate should proceed to a designated JAMB CBT centre, PTC/PRC centre or applicable JAMB State Office.
Step 4: Access the Quicklink
At the centre, access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
The candidate will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details.”
Step 5: Complete biometric verification
The candidate will undergo the required biometric verification.
This is an important part of the process because JAMB is using stronger identity verification to prevent unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.
Step 6: Select the required change
The candidate can select the appropriate service:
- GSM number only;
- Email address only; or
- Both GSM number and email address.
The new details should then be entered.
Step 7: Upload the affidavit and submit
The candidate must upload the scanned court affidavit and click “Update” to complete the process.
A confirmation message will be displayed when the update is successfully completed.
JAMB warns candidates against fraud
JAMB has advised candidates to use the facility strictly for genuine cases.
The Board also warned candidates against patronising unauthorised individuals, agents or unofficial channels claiming to be able to change their JAMB phone numbers or email addresses.
Because the service is available only once, candidates should carefully confirm that their new phone number and email address are correct and accessible before submitting the request.
The one-time restriction is also intended to reduce the possibility of repeated unauthorised alterations to candidates’ profiles.
What the development means for JAMB candidates
The policy change provides an avenue for candidates who have been locked out of their registered contact details because of circumstances such as losing a SIM card or being unable to recover an old email account.
Previously, the restriction on changing these details could create difficulties for candidates who needed access to their JAMB profiles for subsequent UTME and admission-related processes.
The new arrangement does not mean candidates can freely change their details whenever they want. Instead, JAMB has created a controlled, one-time process backed by biometric verification and documentation.
Candidates who still have access to their original phone number and email address are therefore advised to keep their credentials secure rather than requesting a change unnecessarily.
Key things to remember
Effective date: September 21, 2026
Who can apply: Candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered SIM or email account.
What can be changed: Registered GSM number, email address, or both.
How many times: Once per candidate.
Where: Designated JAMB CBT/PTC/PRC centres and applicable State Offices.
Verification: Biometric and identity verification.
Document required: Duly executed court affidavit.
Important warning: Candidates should avoid unauthorised agents and unofficial channels.
JAMB said the revised policy is intended to strike a balance between protecting candidates’ data and ensuring that genuine candidates are not unnecessarily disadvantaged after losing access to their registered credentials.
