Candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have been sternly cautioned against providing false information or violating the attestation declaration signed during the registration exercise.
The warning was issued by Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), as the registration process, which commenced on 26th January, progressed into its third week.
In an address to media executives, documented in JAMB's weekly bulletin released on Monday, Prof. Oloyede stressed the severe consequences awaiting candidates who commit registration infractions.
The Registrar described registration violations as grave offences, warning that offenders risk being prohibited from sitting the UTME for a maximum period of three years.
According to Prof. Oloyede, "Registration infraction is a serious offence," adding that the Board may publish the names of defaulting candidates in national newspapers and distribute their details to other public examination bodies.
"In addition, names of defaulters may be published by the Board in the national dailies as well as circulated to other public examination bodies," he stated.
Beyond institutional sanctions, Prof. Oloyede disclosed that violators could face prosecution, with cases potentially referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, or the Nigerian Police.
Addressing the attestation requirement, the Registrar explained that candidates commit themselves to submitting genuine and precise information in their applications and accompanying documents when they sign the declaration. Any attempts to manipulate or falsify data, he warned, would attract commensurate penalties.
Prof. Oloyede clarified that the attestation clause has become a standard component of application documents following insights gained from past legal disputes involving candidates.
"The attestation clause, now an integral part of the application documents, has been incorporated into the registration process due to lessons learned from previous legal battles with candidates," he explained.
The Registrar described the attestation as a formal verification tool that confirms the genuineness of academic qualifications and all registration data, effectively serving as a fraud prevention measure.
Prof. Oloyede urged prospective candidates to exercise honesty throughout the registration process, warning that submitting fabricated information could permanently compromise their opportunities for tertiary education admission.
