The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a serious warning to candidates intending to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, any candidate found providing false information during registration will face stringent consequences, including a potential three-year ban from sitting for the examination. Furthermore, names of these candidates may be published in prominent national newspapers, serving as a public notice of their infractions.

Oloyede emphasized the severity of registration infractions, likening them to a criminal offence that not only impedes the individual candidate's academic progress but also undermines the integrity of the entire examination process. He indicated that repeated offences or attempts to deceive may prompt the board to collaborate with other governmental agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Police. This collaboration aims to ensure that such cases are prosecuted fully under the law.

The broader implications of this warning highlight JAMB's commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent examination system in Nigeria. As the nation prepares for the upcoming UTME, the board's proactive stance on combating fraudulent practices may deter potential offenders and reassure the public of its resolve to uphold academic integrity. This might also lead to a decline in falsified registrations, thus ensuring that deserving candidates have a fair chance at higher education opportunities.