(DDM) – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has debunked reports claiming that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is no longer required for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the examination body described the viral publication, which originated from an online platform, as “false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary confusion among prospective candidates.”
In a statement released on Thursday, JAMB reaffirmed that the UTME remains the only recognized and mandatory qualifying examination for entry into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.
According to the board, no new policy has been introduced to alter Nigeria’s long-standing admission framework.
“The public is advised to disregard the misinformation. The UTME remains a mandatory requirement for admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria.
Candidates are urged to obtain accurate updates only from JAMB’s official website and verified communication channels,” the statement read in part.
The clarification follows widespread speculation earlier in the week that the Federal Government had approved a policy allowing universities to admit students using only their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results, such as WAEC or NECO.
That report triggered massive reactions across the country, with many students and parents believing the UTME had been scrapped.
However, JAMB has now set the record straight, warning that the misinformation could mislead thousands of applicants preparing for the 2026 admission cycle.
The board emphasized that the UTME remains central to ensuring fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
It also urged journalists and online publishers to verify all admission-related information from official sources before publication to prevent panic among admission seekers.
Educational analysts who spoke to DDM noted that such misinformation could derail preparation efforts for millions of candidates who rely on official JAMB guidelines to plan their academic futures.
They warned that fake news in the education sector often creates unnecessary tension, especially among low-income families struggling to fund their children’s examination registration.
Over the years, JAMB has introduced several reforms, including biometric verification, computer-based testing, and centralized result verification, to curb malpractice and promote transparency in Nigeria’s admission system.
Observers say the board’s swift clarification reflects its awareness of the growing challenge posed by fake news in the digital era, particularly on social media platforms where false information spreads rapidly.
JAMB reiterated that all official announcements regarding admission policies would continue to be made through its verified website, www.jamb.gov.ng, and authorized social media handles.
The board also called on stakeholders in the education sector, including parents, teachers, and tertiary institutions, to help counter the spread of unverified information by relying only on credible sources.
With the 2026 UTME registration expected to begin early next year, JAMB’s latest statement serves as a timely reminder for candidates to stay informed, remain focused, and avoid distractions from misinformation.
