The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new verification requirement that may significantly affect candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
In an official update directed at prospective undergraduates, JAMB announced that, effective immediately, accepting admission offers on the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) will now require verification of the mobile phone number (SIM card) used during UTME registration.
According to the notice, any candidate who no longer possesses or has lost access to the registered SIM will be unable to accept their admission offer on CAPS. This move is part of JAMB’s efforts to tighten security and enhance the integrity of the admission process, but it has also raised concerns among candidates who may have changed phone numbers or lost access to their original SIM cards.
“All candidates should work towards retrieving their SIM card if lost,” the statement urged. “In other words, only candidates who have access to the phone numbers used during UTME registration would be able to benefit from this system.”
The announcement has triggered immediate reactions on social media, with many students seeking clarification and guidance on how to retrieve lost SIMs or explore alternatives. While JAMB has not yet provided details on exceptions or remedial steps for affected candidates, stakeholders are advised to stay informed and follow official communication channels for further updates.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to recover their UTME-registered SIM cards to ensure a seamless admission process. The new requirement adds to a growing list of digital compliance steps in the Nigerian admission system and highlights the increasing importance of personal data security in educational administration.
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