JAMB Clarifies if Undergraduates Can Register for 2026 UTME and DE

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has clarified that candidates who are already studying in a tertiary institution are not banned from registering for the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry examinations.

JAMB said the claim that “undergraduates cannot register” is false and often resurfaces every registration season because people misread or twist its guidelines. 

The board warned candidates and parents to ignore unofficial explanations and rely only on information from JAMB’s official channels.

What JAMB actually requires

According to the board, the key issue is disclosure, not prohibition. If you are already enrolled in a university, polytechnic, college of education, or any other tertiary institution, JAMB says you may still register for UTME or DE. 

However, you must declare your matriculation status during registration. JAMB explained that this requirement is meant to stop multiple admissions and keep the admissions process transparent.

What happens if you don’t declare your status

JAMB warned that failing to disclose an existing admission or matriculation status is treated as an offence under its rules.

The board said candidates who hide their current admission risk serious consequences, including losing both their existing admission and any new offer they may later get through UTME or DE.

You cannot hold two admissions at once

JAMB also clarified that Nigerian admissions rules do not allow a candidate to keep two active admissions at the same time.

It stated that once a candidate secures a new admission through the latest UTME or DE process, the previous admission is expected to lapse in line with the law guiding admissions.

Why JAMB is insisting on disclosure

JAMB said its system is designed to protect the integrity of admissions and also help track candidates who may attempt to abuse the process.

The board added that disclosure makes it easier to identify cases where matriculated candidates present themselves as fresh applicants for improper reasons.

2026 UTME registration timeline

JAMB’s 2026 UTME registration window, according to the guidelines referenced in its update, runs from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026.