The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stark warning to candidates about the repercussions of providing false information during the registration process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a statement by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Board underscored the seriousness of registration infractions and reminded candidates that such violations could lead to disqualification from taking the examination for up to three years. This warning comes as the registration period, which began on January 26, is now in its third week.

Prof. Oloyede elaborated on the potential consequences for those who commit registration offences, including the possibility of having their names published in national newspapers and reported to other public examination bodies. He mentioned that the Board takes these infractions seriously to maintain the integrity of the examination process. The call for vigilance is particularly important, as false declarations can severely impact a candidate's future educational opportunities.

Additionally, the Registrar's remarks included warnings about cooperation with law enforcement agencies, indicating that cases of extreme registration fraud could be referred to bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This aligns with JAMB's broader efforts to combat examination malpractice and ensure a fair assessment process for all candidates, with the aim of preserving the credibility of the UTME, which is crucial for college admissions in Nigeria.