JAMB Exposes Rampant 'Professional' UTME Exam Takers Among Undergraduates Ahead of 2026 Tests
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made a startling revelation about widespread examination malpractice involving university students. According to the examination body, many undergraduates are actively operating as 'professional' Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) takers, compromising the integrity of Nigeria's premier university entrance examination.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirement for 2026 UTME Candidates
In response to this alarming trend, JAMB has instituted a crucial requirement for all candidates registering for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) examinations. All prospective candidates must now disclose their matriculation status during the registration process, where applicable. This measure aims to identify and track students who might be engaging in examination malpractice as professional test-takers.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's official spokesperson, emphasized the importance of this disclosure in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. "Recent findings indicate that many matriculated students are engaged as professional examination takers. Mandatory disclosure, therefore, expedites appropriate action whenever such candidates are apprehended," Benjamin stated.
Serious Consequences for Non-Disclosure
The examination body has issued stern warnings about the potential repercussions for candidates who fail to comply with this new requirement. While JAMB clarified that undergraduates registering for UTME/DE are not committing any offense by merely registering, the failure to disclose their matriculation status constitutes a serious violation of examination rules.
Benjamin explained the rationale behind this policy: "Disclosure implies that once an undergraduate secures a new admission, any previous admission automatically lapses. This is because the law does not permit a candidate to hold two admissions at the same time."
Candidates who neglect to disclose their status face severe penalties, including the potential loss of both their current and prospective admission opportunities. This strict stance underscores JAMB's commitment to maintaining examination integrity and fairness for all candidates.
Broader Examination Integrity Measures
This disclosure requirement represents just one aspect of JAMB's comprehensive strategy to combat examination malpractice ahead of the 2026 UTME. The board has also taken additional measures to strengthen examination security and ensure equitable testing conditions for all candidates.
In a related development, JAMB announced the cancellation of special registration concessions for albinism in the 2026 UTME. This decision came after the examination body discovered that over 7,000 candidates falsely claimed to be albinos during the previous year's registration, exploiting the special provisions meant for genuinely disabled candidates.
Furthermore, JAMB has urged faith-based institutions to clearly state their religious affiliations from the outset of the admission process, promoting transparency in Nigeria's tertiary education system.
Preparation Tips for 2026 UTME Candidates
As candidates prepare for the upcoming examinations, JAMB emphasizes the importance of proper preparation. Drawing inspiration from James Baker's famous maxim that "proper preparation prevents poor performance," the examination body encourages candidates to adopt strategic study approaches.
Prospective test-takers can improve their chances of success by:
- Following structured study plans developed by past high achievers
- Familiarizing themselves with examination patterns and formats
- Utilizing approved study materials and resources
- Practicing with past questions under timed conditions
- Maintaining consistent study routines in the months leading to the examination
With dedicated preparation and adherence to examination guidelines, candidates can aim for excellent scores while maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
