JAMB Lifts Ban on SIM Swap, Email Change: Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has lifted its ban on SIM swap and email change for candidates, introducing a structured, one-time process that allows candidates to update their registered phone numbers and email addresses from Monday, September 21, 2026.

The policy reversal, announced by the Board over the weekend, followed a review of its earlier restriction that had left thousands of candidates stranded after losing access to their registered phone numbers or email addresses. The ban had been a source of frustration for candidates who needed to receive vital communications from JAMB, including admission updates, examination notifications, and profile-related information.

Under the new arrangement, candidates are required to log into their JAMB e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their registered email address, registration number, or profile code. Once logged in, they must select "SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment" from the menu and pay the prescribed fee. The payment is a mandatory step before the candidate can proceed to the next stage of the process.

After payment, the candidate is expected to visit a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink. At the centre, the candidate will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and click "Fetch Details" to retrieve their information. The next step involves biometric verification, which is a critical security measure designed to confirm the identity of the candidate and prevent fraudulent alterations to profile information.

Once biometric verification is successfully completed, the candidate will select whether they wish to change their GSM number, email address, or both, and then enter the new details. A duly executed court affidavit, scanned and ready for upload, is a mandatory requirement for the process. The affidavit serves as a legal declaration that the change being requested is genuine and necessary, adding an additional layer of accountability to the procedure.

The service is available only once for each candidate, meaning that individuals must ensure they are fully prepared before initiating the process. The one-time limitation is intended to prevent abuse of the system while still providing a pathway for candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered contacts.

The requirements for the process are straightforward but must be strictly adhered to. Candidates must have their new GSM number and/or email address ready, alongside the scanned court affidavit. They must also present themselves at the designated JAMB CBT centre for biometric verification, which cannot be done remotely. The prescribed fee, which must be paid through the e-Facility portal, is a prerequisite for accessing the service.

The lifting of the ban represents a significant relief for candidates who had been locked out of their JAMB profiles due to lost or compromised contact details. Many had been unable to access critical information about their admission status, examination schedules, and other essential updates, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and anxiety.

The Board's decision to ease the restriction reflects a recognition of the practical realities facing candidates, particularly those who may have lost their phones, changed their SIM cards, or forgotten their email passwords. By providing a structured and secure pathway for updating contact information, JAMB has addressed a critical gap in its service delivery while maintaining the integrity of its database.

However, the one-time limitation and the requirement for a court affidavit mean that candidates must approach the process with caution and thoroughness. Any errors in the new details provided could have lasting consequences, as the service cannot be repeated. Candidates are therefore advised to double-check their new phone numbers and email addresses before submitting them for verification.

The process also underscores the importance of biometric verification as a security measure. By requiring candidates to physically present themselves at a JAMB CBT centre, the Board ensures that only the legitimate owner of a profile can make changes, reducing the risk of identity theft and unauthorized alterations.

For candidates who have been struggling to access their JAMB profiles, the lifting of the ban offers a clear and structured solution. The process, while requiring several steps and documentation, is designed to be completed within a single visit to a designated centre, provided all requirements are met. Candidates are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance and to visit accredited centres early to avoid delays.

As JAMB continues to refine its processes to better serve the needs of candidates, the SIM swap and email change policy represents a welcome development that balances accessibility with accountability. For thousands of candidates across the country, it is a lifeline that restores their ability to engage with the Board and pursue their educational aspirations without unnecessary hindrance.