JAMB Allows One-Time SIM Swap, Email Change for Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has relaxed its restriction on changing candidates’ registered GSM numbers and email addresses, allowing those who have lost access to their credentials to update them through a controlled verification process.

 

The new policy takes effect Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement by JAMB’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

 

Under the revised arrangement, candidates who have lost their registered SIM cards or are unable to recover their registered email accounts can apply to change the details, subject to strict identity and biometric verification.

 

JAMB said the policy was reviewed following improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification systems, which it said would help prevent fraud and unauthorised access to candidates’ profiles.

 

The Board had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes because of security concerns surrounding alterations to candidates’ registered credentials.

 

JAMB said the revised policy was intended to prevent genuine candidates from being disadvantaged after losing access to their registered telephone numbers or email accounts.

 

However, the Board warned that the service would be available to each candidate only once and would be provided exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test, CBT, PTC/PRC Centres, including State Offices where applicable.

 

Candidates seeking the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, alongside a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and uploaded.

 

JAMB outlined a seven-step procedure for accessing the service.

 

Candidates are required to log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” and pay the prescribed fee.

 

They are then expected to proceed to a designated JAMB CBT Centre, access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink, enter their profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details”.

 

After biometric verification, candidates can select whether they want to change their GSM number, email address, or both.

 

They will then enter the new details, upload the scanned court affidavit and select “Update” to complete the process.

 

A confirmation message will be displayed once the update is successfully completed.

 

JAMB urged candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and warned against patronising unauthorised outlets.

 

The Board said the reviewed policy was aimed at balancing data security with improved service delivery for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.