2026 UTME: JAMB Cancels Special Concession for Albinos, Issues New Directives

Introduction

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced significant policy changes for the upcoming 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). As registration commences, the examination body has officially cancelled the special concessions previously granted to candidates with albinism. This decision follows the discovery of widespread examination malpractice involving identity manipulation. Additionally, JAMB has issued strict warnings regarding the transparency of faith-based institutions and the eligibility of undergraduates seeking to rewrite the UTME. This comprehensive guide explores these new policies, their implications for candidates, and the rationale behind the Board’s decisions.

Key Points

Background

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting held in Ikeja, Lagos, involving the JAMB management led by Registrar Prof. Isaq Oloyede and the Commissioners for Education from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The meeting aimed to review the previous admission cycles and assess the evolving landscape of tertiary education entry in Nigeria.

Historically, JAMB has implemented various policies to support vulnerable groups and ensure fairness. However, the Board has observed a disturbing trend where candidates exploit these policies to circumvent the examination process. The meeting highlighted that despite robust measures, unscrupulous elements continue to devise sophisticated methods to perpetrate fraud, necessitating a revision of existing concessions and stricter enforcement of rules.

Analysis

Why JAMB Cancelled Concessions for Albinos

The decision to cancel special registration procedures for albino candidates is a direct response to systemic abuse. Prof. Oloyede revealed that in the previous year alone, over 7,000 candidates registered as albinos. Upon investigation, it became clear that a significant number of these claims were false. Candidates were allegedly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and photo editing software to manipulate their images to appear as albinos, thereby exploiting the concessions reserved for this specific group.

This cancellation serves as a protective measure to preserve the integrity of the UTME. By removing the special category, JAMB aims to level the playing field and eliminate a loophole used for impersonation and identity fraud. Candidates with albinism are now required to register under the general guidelines, subject to standard biometric verification.

Transparency in Faith-Based Institutions

Another critical issue addressed is the lack of transparency from faith-based tertiary institutions. Prof. Oloyede noted that some private universities and colleges present themselves as secular during the admission drive to attract a wider pool of applicants. However, once students are admitted, strict religious laws and directives are imposed, leading to friction and dissatisfaction.

JAMB’s directive mandates that these institutions declare their faith-based status from the onset. This transparency ensures that prospective students are fully aware of the environment and regulations they are entering. The Board emphasized that while the law permits the establishment of faith-based schools, deception in marketing to candidates is unethical and must cease.

Undergraduates Writing UTME: The Risks

A startling revelation from the previous year’s results was that the candidate with the highest UTME score was already a 300-level undergraduate. While some students legitimately seek to change courses or institutions, others engage in fraudulent activities by writing the exam on behalf of other candidates.

JAMB has taken a hard stance on this. Effective immediately, any candidate found to be a current undergraduate without disclosing their status will face severe penalties. If discovered, they will be disqualified, and crucially, they risk forfeiting their current admission. This policy aims to curb the racketeering of exam writing and ensure that UTME slots are utilized by genuine first-time applicants.

Admission Criteria and State Diversification

The meeting also clarified admission criteria. For federal government-owned institutions, the quota system is structured as follows:

• 45% Merit
• 20% Catchment Area (geographical location)
• 20% Educationally Disadvantaged States
• 15% Other categories

For state-owned universities, while they have autonomy, JAMB encourages a minimum of 10% merit-based admission regardless of the candidate’s origin. This recommendation aims to diversify the student population and ensure that “egg heads” (high-performing students) from various communities are not denied opportunities based solely on their state of origin.

Prof. Oloyede also criticized state governments for establishing new universities while failing to fill the existing quotas in federal institutions. This critique highlights the need for effective resource utilization before expanding infrastructure.

The Underaged Admission Dilemma

The issue of underaged applicants remains contentious. The official admission age is 16 years. In the previous cycle, 42,000 candidates claimed to be underaged, but only 78 met the rigorous criteria (scoring 80% in both UTME and post-UTME) to gain admission. The Board acknowledged that while gifted children exist, the numbers claiming underaged status appear disproportionate.

The meeting debated creating activities for the “gap year” for those not yet 16. However, a vote was held, and the majority agreed that the Board should continue the current strict review process rather than creating a separate program. The consensus was that societal pressure from parents forcing children to rush through school is a root cause of this issue.

Practical Advice for 2026 UTME Candidates

1. Ensure Accurate Biometric Data

With the cancellation of special concessions for albinos, all candidates must ensure their biometric data is captured accurately during registration. Do not attempt to manipulate your photograph or fingerprints, as JAMB utilizes advanced technology to detect fraud. The Board uses the National Identification Number (NIN) to retrieve your name and details; ensure your NIN data is correct to avoid spelling errors on your registration slip.

2. Transparency is Key

If you are a current undergraduate wishing to change your course or institution, you must declare your status during UTME registration. Hiding your current admission status to write the exam is a risk that could lead to the loss of both the new and existing admission.

3. Choose Accredited CBT Centers

JAMB has tightened the accreditation process for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centers. Accreditation is now conducted by a team comprising Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts. Candidates should only register at accredited centers to avoid issues with registration or exam day malpractice allegations. Be wary of centers that promise “special assistance” or move computers between locations, as these are red flags for fraudulent operations.

4. Research Institutional Policies

Before applying to a faith-based institution, research their specific religious laws and directives. JAMB advises that these schools will now be more transparent about their status. If you prefer a secular environment, prioritize state or federal universities to avoid future conflicts regarding dress codes or religious observances.

5. Adhere to Age Requirements

Parents and guardians should respect the 16-year minimum age rule. If your child is exceptionally gifted and below this age, prepare for the rigorous screening process, which requires an 80% score in both UTME and post-UTME. Do not falsify ages, as background checks are increasingly rigorous.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2026 UTME registration brings a wave of stricter regulations aimed at preserving the integrity of the examination process. JAMB’s decision to cancel special concessions for albinos, enforce transparency for faith-based schools, and penalize undeclared undergraduates underscores its commitment to a fair and merit-based admission system. Candidates and stakeholders are advised to adhere strictly to these new guidelines to avoid disqualification or legal repercussions. As the examination body tightens its grip on malpractice and administrative loopholes, the focus remains on ensuring that every candidate earns their place in tertiary institutions through legitimate means.