The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a major policy change that will come as relief to candidates who have lost access to the phone numbers or email addresses linked to their JAMB profiles.

Under the new arrangement, candidates who have genuinely lost their registered SIM cards, GSM numbers or email accounts can now apply to update their details through a controlled verification process.

The new facility takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026.

JAMB Lifts Previous Restriction on SIM and Email Changes

For years, JAMB maintained strict restrictions on changing the phone number and email address attached to a candidate's profile because these details play an important role in candidate identification and access to JAMB services.

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JAMB's registration guidelines have traditionally treated the registered phone number as a unique identifier for candidates and advised candidates to keep their registered SIM cards safe.

However, the Board has now reviewed the policy following improvements in its identity authentication and biometric verification systems.

According to JAMB, the enhanced security measures are intended to make it possible to process genuine requests while protecting candidates' profiles from impersonation, fraud and unauthorised alterations.

Who Can Benefit From the New Facility?

The new arrangement is particularly relevant to candidates who:

• Have permanently lost the SIM card or phone number registered with JAMB.


• Can no longer access the email address attached to their JAMB profile.


• Are unable to recover their registered email account.


• Need to use a new phone number for a subsequent UTME registration because the original number is no longer accessible.

Candidates who have lost access to either their registered phone number or email address may therefore have an official avenue to update their records instead of remaining permanently tied to inaccessible contact details.

The Change Is Not an Open or Unlimited Service

Candidates should note that this is not a general permission to change JAMB details whenever they want.

JAMB has introduced the facility as a controlled process for genuine cases involving loss of access to previously registered contact details.

Reports on the new policy indicate that the service can be accessed only once and that requests will be subjected to strict identity and biometric verification.

This means candidates should be extremely careful when providing the replacement phone number or email address.

Where Can Candidates Access the Service?

According to reports on the new JAMB arrangement, eligible candidates are expected to access the service through designated JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, including applicable professional centres and JAMB offices where the service is available.

Candidates should avoid relying on unofficial individuals who claim they can change JAMB phone numbers or email addresses outside the approved process.

The Board has specifically advised candidates to use designated JAMB channels and avoid unauthorised persons.

Why the Development Is Important

The policy change could provide significant relief for candidates who have been unable to access important JAMB services because they no longer have the phone number or email account originally connected to their profiles.

JAMB's registered phone number is particularly important because it has historically been used for profile-related transactions and communication with the Board. The Board's 2026 registration guidelines still emphasise the importance of the candidate's registered phone number and email address.

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Previously, candidates who lost access to their SIM cards faced considerable difficulty because of the restrictions surrounding changes to registered GSM numbers.

JAMB had also previously introduced a Profiled Email process as a means of assisting candidates who lost their SIM cards. Under that earlier arrangement, candidates could visit an accredited CBT centre, complete the required template and have a new email authenticated and linked to their profile.

The latest policy represents a broader move to provide a controlled solution for candidates who have lost access to their registered contact details.

Important Warning to Candidates

Candidates should understand that the new facility does not mean that JAMB registration information can be changed casually.

The identity of the candidate must be properly established before any change is approved. Candidates should therefore provide accurate information and ensure that the replacement phone number and email address belong to them and are accessible.

Candidates should also keep their new details safe after the change because the facility is reported to be available only once.

What Candidates Should Do

If you have genuinely lost access to your registered JAMB SIM card or email address, you should:

1. Visit a designated JAMB-approved centre that provides the service.


2. Explain that you need to update your lost/inaccessible registered contact details.


3. Provide the information required for identity verification.


4. Complete the necessary verification and biometric checks.


5. Provide an accessible replacement phone number and/or email address.


6. Confirm that the new details are correct before leaving the centre.


7. Keep the new details safe for future JAMB transactions.

Candidates should also avoid giving their JAMB profile credentials, passwords or other confidential information to unauthorised persons. JAMB advises candidates to keep their security details private.

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A Relief for Candidates Preparing for Future UTME Exercises

The policy is particularly significant for candidates preparing for subsequent UTME exercises who have lost the phone number used for their previous JAMB registration.

Previously, the inability to access the registered number could create difficulties because JAMB's registration system relies heavily on the unique phone number associated with a candidate's profile.

With the introduction of the controlled update facility, genuine candidates now have an official pathway to address such situations.

However, candidates should remember that the facility is subject to JAMB's verification requirements and is intended for genuine cases rather than routine changes.

Final Note

JAMB's decision to allow a controlled, one-time update of registered GSM numbers and email addresses provides an important option for candidates who have genuinely lost access to their original contact details.

The service commences Monday, September 21, 2026, and candidates who need it should use only designated JAMB channels and approved centres.

Candidates are also advised to be careful with their replacement details and avoid paying unauthorised individuals who promise to manipulate or change their JAMB records.

For official updates and further information, candidates should rely on JAMB's official communication channels and the Board's website.

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