JAMB Tightens Identity Checks As NIMC Collaboration Deepens

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has tightened identity checks for UTME candidates as it deepens collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Segun Aina, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interaction with candidates at the 2026 Customer Week at JAMB’s Abuja Zonal Office.

Aina said the board is optimising policies to build trust, enhance transparency and reduce difficulties in registration, examinations and admissions. He said all policy optimisation is centred on building trust and reducing trauma.

He said JAMB has strengthened its partnership with NIMC and commended the commission for prompt cooperation in aligning candidates’ personal information.

He said candidates can now align details with NIMC records for consistency.

He explained that JAMB previously relied on NIMC data but blocked post-registration changes to prevent identity manipulation midway through admission.

Aina added that new technology and improved collaboration now allow legitimate changes with adequate safeguards.

He warned against fraudulent name changes, saying the board will track such attempts.

“If you would like to change your entire name, we will keep track of you. And if you are trying to take advantage of the system, please get ready. You will be feeling the full weight of the law,” he said.

He added that technology now allows easier updates of phone numbers and emails, which previously served as unique identifiers and were difficult to change when candidates lost access.

On admission status, he said candidates will no longer see vague “not admitted” or “admission in progress” notices.

He said the system now shows detailed progress to reduce anxiety.
“Building trust is increasing transparency,” he said.

On reforms, he described his work as consolidation, not rebranding, saying he inherited a fantastic institution from predecessors, particularly Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who sanitised the system and deepened technology adoption.

He said the harmonised exam timetable may shorten JAMB’s preparation period but will benefit the sector by ensuring timely release of results for admissions.

Aina stressed that UTME is a means to an end, with admissions as JAMB’s core mandate, adding that the board’s job is to ensure merit-based admission without connections.

He also disclosed that a committee headed by Prof. Nwogu, a psychometrician, has been inaugurated to examine incorporating critical thinking and life skills into UTME but noted that no decision has been taken yet.

He said the committee will assess whether testing beyond academics can better measure reasoning, decision-making and practical application, noting that professions like medicine require critical thinking beyond technical knowledge. If approved, experts will work out implementation based on evidence.