JAMB approves SIM, email changes for candidates from September 21
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted its longstanding restriction on replacing candidates’ registered GSM numbers and changing their registered email addresses.
The new policy, which takes effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, aims to assist candidates who have lost access to their registered SIM cards or email accounts.
JAMB said the changes would be carried out through a controlled verification process designed to protect candidates’ profiles from fraud and unauthorised access.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the board’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
The board had previously prohibited SIM swapping and email changes because of security concerns surrounding alterations to candidates’ registered credentials.
However, JAMB said improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification had made it possible to review the policy while maintaining the integrity of candidates’ records.
The revised arrangement is expected to assist candidates who have been unable to access their registered phone numbers or email accounts for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) processes.
JAMB said the policy was introduced to ensure that genuine candidates were not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
It stressed, however, that the facility would be subject to strict authentication procedures to guard against impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.
The board also stated that the SIM swap and/or email change service would be available to each candidate only once.
According to JAMB, candidates can access the service exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) PTC/PRC Centres, including state offices where applicable.
Applicants seeking to update their details must provide their new GSM number and/or email address, where applicable, as well as a duly executed court affidavit that has been scanned and is ready for upload.
How to change JAMB SIM and email details
JAMB provided a seven-step process for candidates seeking to use the newly approved facility.
Candidates are required to first log into their e-Facility profile with their existing credentials, which may include their email address, registration number or profile code.
They should then select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
After completing the payment, the candidate is expected to visit a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
The candidate will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and click “Fetch Details”.
This will trigger biometric verification, after which the candidate can select the required service — GSM number only, email address only, or both GSM number and email address.
The candidate will then enter the new GSM number and/or email address and upload the scanned court affidavit before clicking “Update” to complete the process.
A confirmation message will appear once the update has been completed.
JAMB advised candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and warned against patronising unauthorised outlets.
The board said the reviewed policy was part of its efforts to balance data security with improved service delivery, ensuring that genuine candidates do not face unnecessary difficulties in their pursuit of admission into tertiary institutions.
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