JAMB Opens SIM, Email Change For Candidates Who Lost Access

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reviewed its policy on changing candidates’ registered phone numbers and email addresses, allowing those who have genuinely lost access to their details to update their records through a controlled process.

The new arrangement took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, and is aimed at candidates who can no longer access the SIM cards or email accounts used during their registration.

JAMB said the service is available only at designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, including state offices where applicable. Candidates must also pass strict identity and biometric verification before their requests can be processed.

The board explained that the policy was introduced to ease the difficulties faced by genuine candidates while protecting the integrity of their records. JAMB had previously restricted SIM swapping and email changes because of security concerns linked to unauthorised alterations.

Under the reviewed policy, eligible candidates can apply to change their registered GSM number, email address or both. However, the service can only be accessed once by each candidate.

JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin, is responsible for communicating the board’s public policies and updates to candidates and the general public.

The board said the new arrangement was made possible by stronger identity authentication and biometric verification systems designed to reduce impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.

“Please note: The service can be accessed only once and is subject to strict identity and biometric verification,” JAMB said.

How Candidates Can Apply For The Change

Candidates seeking to use the facility must first log into their JAMB e-Facility profile using their existing credentials. They are expected to select the “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” option and pay the prescribed fee before proceeding to a designated JAMB CBT centre.

At the centre, candidates will access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink and enter their profile code or existing GSM number to retrieve their details.

The process includes biometric verification before the candidate selects the service required. The available options cover a GSM number change, an email address change, or both.

Candidates are also required to provide their new GSM number and/or email address, depending on the request. They must have a duly executed court affidavit, which should be scanned and ready for upload.

After entering the new details, the candidate will upload the scanned affidavit and submit the request. A confirmation message will be displayed once the process has been completed successfully.

JAMB said the authentication steps are intended to ensure that only genuine candidates can make changes to their records.

The board also warned candidates against using third parties or unauthorised channels to carry out the process.

“For your security, use only designated JAMB centres and avoid unauthorised persons or channels,” the board said.

JAMB Warns Candidates Against Unauthorised Channels

JAMB urged candidates who have lost access to their registered SIM cards or email addresses to use only the approved process. The board said the restriction to one request per candidate was part of the safeguards put in place to protect candidates’ information.

The service is particularly relevant to candidates who may need access to their JAMB profiles for admission-related activities or future registration but can no longer use the phone number or email address originally linked to their records.

The board said the reviewed policy was intended to balance data security with the needs of candidates facing genuine difficulties beyond their control.

JAMB also stressed that candidates should not hand over their personal details to unauthorised persons who claim they can process the change on their behalf.

The board said stronger identity and biometric checks would help it provide a more accessible service without compromising the security of candidates’ records.

Candidates are therefore advised to visit only designated JAMB CBT centres or applicable JAMB offices when seeking to use the SIM swap or email change facility.