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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has issued a stern warning to its candidates against committing registration infractions or violating the attestation signed during registration.

The Board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, issued the warning on Monday as the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination , UTME, registration enters its third week.

Oloyede stressed the seriousness of registration offences while speaking with media executives during the penultimate week, as contained in JAMB’s weekly bulletin released on its website on Monday.

He said, “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.”

The JAMB boss also stated clearly that defaulters could also be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, or the Nigerian Police for prosecution

JAMB Warns: Registration Infractions Can Lead to 3-Year Ban, Public Naming, and Prosecution

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to candidates, parents, and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre operators ahead of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), stressing that registration infractions are serious criminal offences that carry severe consequences.

According to the JAMB Registrar, candidates who violate registration rules risk being barred from sitting the UTME for up to three years, having their names published in national newspapers, and facing criminal prosecution by anti-graft and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Police Force.

This warning comes amid persistent cases of impersonation, multiple registrations, falsification of personal data, and collusion between candidates and unscrupulous CBT centres.

Registration infractions during JAMB UTME can lead to a three-year ban, public naming, and prosecution by EFCC, ICPC, or the Police.

What JAMB Means by “Registration Infraction”

A registration infraction refers to any deliberate violation of JAMB’s registration rules and procedures, whether committed directly by a candidate or in collaboration with a third party.

JAMB has repeatedly emphasized that ignorance of the rules is not an excuse, and candidates are fully responsible for every detail submitted during registration.

Common JAMB Registration Infractions Include:

1. Multiple registrations using different profiles

2. Impersonation (registering or writing the exam for another person)

3. Biometric manipulation or bypass

4. Use of fake or altered National Identification Number (NIN)

5. Incorrect biodata supplied deliberately

6. Registering at unapproved or blacklisted CBT centres

7. Age falsification

8. Collusion with CBT officials to alter records

9. Using another person’s SIM card for profile creation

10. Forged documents or results

JAMB has described these actions as exam malpractice and criminal fraud, not mere administrative errors.

Why JAMB Is Taking a Harder Stance

Over the years, JAMB has invested heavily in technology to sanitize the UTME process. These include:

• Biometric verification

• NIN integration

• Centralized data systems

• CCTV monitoring at CBT centres

• Real-time candidate tracking

Despite these measures, the Board continues to uncover sophisticated fraud networks involving candidates, parents, cybercafés, and even some CBT centres.

According to JAMB, allowing such practices to continue would:

• Undermine the credibility of UTME results

• Disadvantage honest candidates

• Encourage corruption in tertiary admissions

• Damage Nigeria’s education system

This is why the Board now treats registration fraud as a national integrity issue, not just an exam problem.

3-Year Ban from UTME: What It Really Means

One of the most severe punishments announced by JAMB is a ban of up to three years from participating in UTME.

What a 3-Year Ban Entails:

• Candidate cannot register for UTME for three consecutive years

• Candidate is locked out of JAMB systems nationwide

• Profile and NIN are flagged permanently

• Even change of name or SIM card will not help

• Affected candidates cannot gain admission through UTME during the ban period

For young candidates, especially secondary school leavers, a three-year ban can mean:

• Losing academic momentum

• Being forced to stay at home

• Psychological and emotional distress

• Financial loss for parents

JAMB insists the punishment is necessary to serve as a strong deterrent.

Publication of Defaulters’ Names in National Dailies

Another controversial but legal sanction mentioned by JAMB is the publication of offenders’ names.

What This Means:

• Names of candidates involved in infractions may be published

• National newspapers may carry the list

• Other examination bodies may receive the information

• Institutions may blacklist affected candidates

According to JAMB, this measure is aimed at:

• Public accountability

• Transparency

• Deterrence

• Preventing offenders from repeating the same acts elsewhere

This step can have long-lasting reputational consequences, especially in a society where public records matter.

Handing Over Offenders to EFCC, ICPC, and Police

Perhaps the most serious part of the warning is JAMB’s decision to hand offenders over to law enforcement agencies.

Agencies Mentioned:

• Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

• Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)

• Nigerian Police Force

Why Law Enforcement Is Involved

JAMB argues that registration infractions often involve:

• Fraud

• Forgery

• Identity theft

• Financial crimes

• Organized syndicates

These fall squarely under the jurisdiction of anti-corruption and criminal justice agencies.

In such cases, offenders may face:

• Arrest and interrogation

• Court prosecution

• Criminal records

• Fines or imprisonment (depending on the offence)

Candidates vs CBT Centres: Who Takes the Blame?

Many candidates often argue that CBT centres are responsible for mistakes made during registration. However, JAMB has been clear:

Candidates are ultimately responsible for their registration details.

While CBT centres found guilty of misconduct may be:

• Delisted

• Prosecuted

• Blacklisted

• Shut down

Candidates who knowingly cooperate or fail to verify their details will not be spared.

Difference Between “Genuine Mistake” and “Infraction”

JAMB has clarified that not all errors are treated as crimes.

Genuine Mistakes (Often Correctable):

• Misspelling due to typing error

• Wrong choice of institution (if corrected early)

• Accidental subject combination error

Infractions (Punishable):

• Multiple registrations

• Fake identity

• Biometric fraud

• Deliberate falsification

The key difference is intent. Once JAMB establishes intent to deceive, sanctions apply.

Role of NIN in Detecting Registration Fraud

The introduction of the National Identification Number (NIN) has significantly reduced fraud.

How NIN Helps JAMB:

• Confirms real identity

• Prevents multiple registrations

• Links candidate to biometric data

• Flags age inconsistencies

Any attempt to manipulate NIN records is treated as identity fraud, a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

Parents and Guardians Are Not Exempt

JAMB has also warned parents who:

• Force underage children to register

• Arrange impersonation

• Encourage multiple registrations

• Patronize illegal centres

Such parents may be investigated if found complicit in fraudulent practices.

Implications for Other Exam Bodies

Once JAMB circulates names of defaulters:

• WAEC

• NECO

• NABTEB

• Other public exam bodies

may subject such candidates to extra scrutiny or outright sanctions.

How Candidates Can Avoid Registration Infractions

1. Use Only Approved CBT Centres

Always verify centres before registering.

2. Register Only Once

No matter the mistake, do not attempt a second registration.

3. Use Your Own NIN and SIM

Never borrow or share identity details.

4. Verify All Details Before Submission

Check name, date of birth, subjects, and institutions carefully.

5. Avoid “Shortcuts”

There are no “connections” in JAMB systems anymore.

What to Do If You Make a Mistake During Registration

If you notice an error:

• Report immediately at an approved CBT centre

• Use official JAMB correction channels

• Do not attempt re-registration

• Keep all receipts and evidence

Early reporting can save you from sanctions.

JAMB’s Message to Candidates

The Board’s message is simple:

Follow the rules or face the consequences.

JAMB insists that UTME success is possible without cheating, and that honesty remains the safest path to admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can JAMB really ban a candidate for three years?

Yes. JAMB has the legal backing to impose such sanctions.

Will minor errors lead to prosecution?

No. Only deliberate and fraudulent acts attract prosecution.

Can a banned candidate use another name?

No. NIN and biometrics make this impossible.

Can CBT centres be punished too?

Yes. Many have already been blacklisted.

Final Thoughts

JAMB’s warning is not empty talk. With advanced technology, inter-agency collaboration, and stronger legal enforcement, the era of “cutting corners” in UTME registration is rapidly coming to an end.

For candidates aspiring to higher education, the safest and smartest decision remains honesty, patience, and strict compliance with JAMB rules.