The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that undergraduates are permitted to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), provided they formally declare their current academic status during registration.
According to JAMB, the policy is designed to promote transparency and accurate data management within Nigeria’s tertiary education system. Candidates who are already enrolled in higher institutions but wish to retake the UTME—often for a change of course, institution, or academic direction—must disclose that they are undergraduates.
The examination body warned that failure to declare one’s status could attract sanctions, stressing that the requirement is not meant to bar candidates but to ensure integrity in the admission process. JAMB also noted that proper disclosure helps institutions and regulators make informed decisions during admissions.
Education stakeholders say the clarification will guide many students seeking better academic opportunities while preventing abuse of the system.
JAMB urged candidates to adhere strictly to registration guidelines, emphasizing that honesty remains a key requirement in accessing educational opportunities.
