JAMB Eases SIM Swap, Email Change Rules For Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has relaxed its restrictions on the swapping of registered SIM cards and changing of email addresses for candidates.

The new policy took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, allowing candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered phone numbers or email accounts to update their details through a controlled verification process.

According to Ireporter Online, JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the decision followed improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification systems, which the Board said would help prevent unauthorised alterations to candidates’ records.

JAMB had previously restricted SIM swapping and email changes because of security concerns surrounding changes to candidates’ registered credentials.

Under the revised arrangement, candidates will be permitted to use the SIM swap and/or email change service only once. The service will be available at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test centres, including relevant state offices where applicable.

Candidates seeking the service are required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, as applicable. They must also obtain a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and uploaded as part of the verification process.

The Board said the measures were introduced to ensure that genuine candidates who have lost access to their registered contact details are not unnecessarily disadvantaged while maintaining the security of their records.

To initiate the process, candidates are expected to log into their JAMB e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code.

They must then select the “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” option and pay the prescribed fee.

After payment, the candidate is required to visit a designated JAMB CBT centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.

The candidate will enter the profile code or existing GSM number and select the option to fetch their details. Biometric verification will then be conducted before the candidate selects whether to change the GSM number, email address or both.

The new contact details are subsequently entered, while the scanned court affidavit is uploaded before the update is submitted.

A confirmation message will be displayed once the process has been successfully completed.

JAMB stressed that the facility is intended strictly for genuine cases and warned candidates against using unauthorised outlets or allowing third parties to manipulate their records.

The Board said the revised policy was designed to strike a balance between protecting candidates’ personal information and making its services more accessible to applicants who encounter legitimate difficulties with their registered contact details.