By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates that providing false information during registration has consequences.
According to a bulletin issued on Monday, February 9, JAMB registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, gave the warning while speaking to journalists, saying that the offence could lead to blacklisting, legal prosecution, or a three-year ban.
Oloyede said: “Candidates may be barred from sitting the UTME for up to three years. Names of defaulters may also be published in national dailies and circulated to other public examination bodies.”
He added that in severe cases, candidates could be referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the police for prosecution.
The JAMB registrar said that all candidates must attest that the information and documents provided are accurate.
He said: “The attestation clause has become a formal part of the application process following lessons from previous legal cases involving candidates.”
Oloyede said the attestation serves as a verification mechanism to ensure the authenticity of academic credentials and other submitted information.
He urged candidates to avoid providing fictitious information, warning that such actions could jeopardise their admission chances and limit access to tertiary education opportunities.
Meanwhile, the board has warned that the ongoing registration for the 2026 UTME will close on February 26, adding that there would be no extensions after the deadline.
According to the bulletin, the examination body expressed concern over the low turnout of candidates at many accredited registration centres nationwide.
The board urged prospective candidates to complete their registration without delay.
