JAMB Lifts Ban On SIM Swap, Email Change For Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted the ban on swapping of registered phone numbers and changing of email addresses for candidates.
The Board said the new policy, which takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, will allow candidates who have lost access to their SIM cards or email accounts to update their records through a controlled process.
The decision was announced in a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the decision followed the introduction of enhanced security measures, especially stronger identity and biometric verification, to guard against impersonation and fraud.
JAMB had previously prohibited SIM swap and email change due to vulnerabilities associated with the processes.
Under the new arrangement, candidates can now apply to change their GSM number, email address, or both, but the service will be available only once per candidate.
“The concession is subject to strict authentication procedures designed to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alteration of candidates’ records. The SIM swap and/or email change service shall be available only once,” the statement read.
The Board said the service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, including state offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking to use the facility are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address and a duly executed court affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
To access the service, candidates are to log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” and pay the prescribed fee before proceeding to a CBT centre.
At the centre, they will access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink, enter their profile code or existing GSM number, undergo biometric verification and select the required service.
They will then enter the new GSM number and/or email address, upload the scanned affidavit and submit the request. A confirmation message will be displayed after successful completion.
JAMB urged candidates to patronise only designated centres and warned against using unauthorised channels or third parties.
The Board added that the policy review was aimed at balancing data protection with ensuring that genuine candidates are not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
