JAMB Clarifies: You Can Be in University and Still Write JAMB

 The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially addressed a widespread misconception circulating on social media that students currently enrolled in universities or other tertiary institutions are not allowed to write JAMB. In a statement released by the Office of the Registrar on 28th January, 2026, JAMB described this claim as misleading and a deliberate distortion of its guidelines for the 2026 UTME/Direct Entry (DE).

Origin of the Misconception

According to JAMB, the false narrative has been promoted by some self-styled education advocates who often resurface at the beginning of every registration cycle. These individuals, the Board noted, fail to properly read or understand official guidelines but instead spread incorrect information to attract attention and traffic to their platforms.

What JAMB Really Says

JAMB made it very clear that:

It is NOT an offence for a candidate who is already admitted or enrolled in a tertiary institution to register for and write the UTME or DE.

What is mandatory is disclosure. Candidates must honestly declare their current matriculation or admission status during registration.

Once a candidate secures a new admission through JAMB, the previous admission automatically ceases to exist.

In simple terms, students are allowed to seek better opportunities, change institutions, or change courses—as long as they are transparent.

No Dual Admission Allowed

JAMB emphasized that Nigerian law does not permit any candidate to hold two admissions at the same time. Failure to disclose an existing admission is considered an offence and may result in serious consequences.

Why Disclosure Is Important

The Board explained that its directive helps to:

Prevent multiple matriculations

Address the growing issue of professional examination takers

Enable swift action when violations are detected

Although JAMB’s system can detect prior matriculation, candidates who intentionally hide their status risk losing both their old and new admission opportunities.

Advice to Candidates and Parents

JAMB urged candidates and parents to:

Rely only on official JAMB guidelines

Be cautious of misinformation from unofficial sources

Avoid accepting distorted interpretations spread for personal gain

Conclusion

The clarification from JAMB brings much-needed relief and clarity to many students. Being in a university does not disqualify anyone from writing JAMB. However, honesty and full disclosure are non-negotiable. Candidates are encouraged to read official instructions carefully and make informed decisions about their academic future.

In the end, transparency protects opportunities—while misinformation destroys them.