The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has relaxed its restriction on changing candidates’ registered GSM numbers and email addresses, allowing applicants who have lost access to their credentials to update their details through a controlled verification process.
The new policy takes effect from 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 cannot recover their registered email accounts can apply to change the details, subject to identity authentication and biometric verification.
JAMB had previously prohibited SIM swaps and email changes because of the risks of fraud and unauthorised access to candidates’ records.
The Board said improved identity authentication and biometric verification systems had now made it possible to review the policy while maintaining the security of candidates’ profiles.
JAMB said the measure was intended to prevent genuine candidates from being disadvantaged when circumstances beyond their control result in the loss of access to their registered phone numbers or email accounts.
However, the Board warned that the service would be subject to strict authentication procedures to guard against impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes.
It also stated that each candidate would be allowed to use the SIM swap and/or email change service only once.
The service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test, CBT, PTC/PRC centres, including JAMB State Offices where applicable.
Candidates seeking to update their details must provide the new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable, as well as a duly executed court affidavit that has been scanned and is ready for upload.
How candidates can change their SIM or email details
JAMB outlined a seven-step process for accessing the service.
Candidates must first log into their e-Facility profiles using their existing credentials, including 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 making payment, the candidate must visit a designated JAMB CBT, PTC or PRC centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
The candidate will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details”.
This will be followed by biometric verification, after which the candidate will select the required service—GSM number only, email address only, or both.
The candidate will then enter the new GSM number and/or email address, upload the scanned court affidavit and click “Update” to complete the process.
A confirmation message will be displayed once the update has been successfully completed.
JAMB advised candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and warned them against using unauthorised outlets.
The Board said the revised policy was aimed at balancing stronger data security with improved service delivery, so that legitimate candidates would not face unnecessary difficulties in their efforts to secure admission into tertiary institutions.
Source: VANGUARD
