The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) against submitting false or misleading information, warning that offenders risk severe penalties.
According to the examination body, candidates found guilty of falsifying details during registration could face blacklisting, legal action, or a ban from sitting the UTME for up to three years.
In a bulletin released on Monday, JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede issued the warning while addressing journalists last week. He explained that defaulters may also have their names published in national newspapers and shared with other public examination bodies.
Oloyede added that serious cases could be referred to law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, or the police for prosecution.
He stressed that all candidates are required to formally attest that the information and documents they submit are accurate. According to him, this attestation clause has been made a compulsory part of the registration process following lessons learned from past legal disputes involving candidates.
The registrar explained that the attestation serves as a verification tool to ensure the authenticity of academic credentials and other personal information. He warned candidates to avoid providing fictitious details, noting that such actions could jeopardise their chances of admission and restrict access to tertiary education.
Meanwhile, JAMB has announced that registration for the 2026 UTME will close on February 26, with no plans for an extension. The board expressed concern over the low turnout at many accredited registration centres across the country and urged prospective candidates to complete their registration promptly.
