The revised policy, which takes effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, covers candidates who have lost their registered SIM cards or are unable to recover their registered email accounts.

JAMB said the decision followed improvements in identity authentication and biometric verification systems, which it said now provide stronger safeguards against impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.

The Board had previously prohibited SIM swapping and changes to registered email addresses because of the security risks associated with altering candidates’ core credentials.

In a statement issued by its Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB said the revised arrangement was intended to ensure that genuine candidates are not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

The new policy is expected to assist candidates who have lost access to their registered telephone numbers or email accounts and consequently faced difficulties using their profiles for subsequent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, processes.

JAMB, however, stressed that the service would operate under strict authentication requirements. It also imposed a one-time limit, saying each candidate can access the SIM swap and/or email change service only once.

The service will be available exclusively at designated JAMB Computer-Based Test, CBT, PTC/PRC Centres, including JAMB State Offices where applicable.

Candidates seeking to update their details must provide the new GSM number and/or email address and submit a duly executed court affidavit, which must be scanned and ready for upload.

How To Change Registered SIM Or Email

JAMB outlined a seven-step process for candidates seeking to use the service.

• Candidates must first log into their e-Facility profile using their existing credentials, including their email address, registration number or profile code.
• They are then required to select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” from the menu and pay the prescribed fee.
• After payment, the candidate must proceed to a designated JAMB CBT PTC/PRC Centre and access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
• The candidate will enter their profile code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details”.
• Biometric verification will then be conducted, after which the candidate will select the required service, whether a GSM number change, email address change, or both.
• The candidate will enter the new GSM number and/or email address, upload the scanned court affidavit and click “Update” to complete the process.
• A confirmation message will be displayed once the change has been successfully processed.

JAMB urged candidates to use the facility only for genuine cases and warned against patronising unauthorised outlets.

The Board said the revised policy was intended to balance stronger protection of candidates’ personal records with more accessible services, particularly for legitimate candidates who lose access to the credentials tied to their JAMB profiles.

The post JAMB Allows One-Time SIM Swap, Email Changes For Candidates appeared first on Tech Digest News.

By Abbas Badmus,

Nigeria’s policy mandating the linkage of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards with the National Identification Number (NIN) was introduced as a critical security measure aimed at strengthening citizen identification, curbing criminal activities, and enhancing national data management. Spearheaded by agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the initiative was expected to close anonymity gaps in telecommunications and assist law enforcement in tracking criminals, particularly kidnappers and bandits who rely heavily on mobile communication.

However, recent developments suggest a widening gap between policy expectations and on-the-ground realities.

Despite multiple deadlines, enforcement measures, and widespread compliance by millions of Nigerians, the surge in kidnapping and banditry continues unabated. Criminal groups still appear able to make repeated ransom calls to victims’ families without detection or interception.

This raises a fundamental question: if every SIM is linked to a verified identity, why are perpetrators still operating with apparent impunity?

A recent incident underscores the urgency of this concern. In Benue State, on April 15, 2026, eight students traveling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), were reportedly abducted alongside ten other passengers. The victims were rescued by the Nigerian police five days later after kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ten million naira from their families. Such incidents, occurring despite existing digital identification frameworks, highlight a troubling disconnect between policy design and security outcomes.

Between 2024 and 2025, Nigeria recorded at least ten major school kidnapping incidents, affecting over 670 students.These figures point to a persistent pattern rather than isolated events. The attacks are often concentrated in northern regions, where armed groups exploit weak security presence and vulnerable rural school systems.

One of the most shocking incidents occurred in March 2024 in Kuriga, Kaduna State, where over 200 students were abducted in a single raid. Although the victims were eventually released, the incident reignited national outrage and exposed the fragile state of school security.

The situation escalated further in 2025, which can be described as one of the most intense years for school-related abductions in recent history. In November 2025, in Niger State, over 300 students and staff were kidnapped in a single attack—marking one of the largest mass abductions in the country. Within the same period, 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi State, while other coordinated attacks pushed the number of victims into the hundreds within weeks.

The persistence of these crimes raises critical questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s surveillance and identification systems. The NIN-SIM linkage policy, introduced to enhance security by tying mobile phone usage to verified identities, was expected to help track criminals, especially during ransom negotiations conducted via phone calls.

Beyond the immediate trauma inflicted on victims and their families, the implications of school kidnappings are far-reaching.The repeated targeting of schools is discouraging education, particularly in already vulnerable regions. Parents are increasingly reluctant to send their children to school, worsening Nigeria’s already high number of out-of-school children.

Additionally, the frequency of attacks undermines public confidence in the government’s capacity to provide basic security. National data indicating over 4,700 kidnapping victims between 2024 and 2025 across all categories further highlights the scale of the crisis.

While security agencies often report the rescue of abducted victims and the arrest of suspects, these responses are largely reactive. There is limited evidence of sustained preventive strategies such as strengthened security infrastructure in schools, community-based intelligence systems, and technological tracking of ransom communications.

The recurring nature of these incidents suggests that current interventions may not be addressing the root causes, including poverty, weak governance in rural areas, and the proliferation of armed groups.

Experts point to several factors that may explain the limited impact of the NIN-SIM policy on curbing crime:

1. Weak Enforcement and Monitoring:

While SIM registration may be complete on paper, real-time monitoring and intelligence gathering appear insufficient. Security agencies may lack the tools, coordination, or capacity to act swiftly on telecom data.

2. Use of Illegally Registered SIMs:

Criminals may exploit pre-registered or fraudulently registered SIM cards, often obtained through compromised agents or identity theft, thereby bypassing the intended traceability.

3. Technological Limitations:

Linking SIMs to NINs is only one layer of a broader digital surveillance ecosystem. Without advanced analytics, call pattern recognition, and geolocation tracking capabilities, the system remains reactive rather than proactive.

4. Inter-Agency Coordination Challenges:

Effective use of telecom data requires seamless collaboration between telecom operators, regulators, and security agencies. Bureaucratic bottlenecks and data-sharing restrictions can delay or weaken response efforts.

The aggressive enforcement of the NIN-SIM linkage, often involving threats of SIM deactivation, was justified on the grounds of national security.

However, the continued rise in kidnappings risks eroding public confidence in the policy. Citizens who complied with the directive may now question its tangible benefits, especially as high-profile crimes continue without visible breakthroughs linked to telecom tracking.

For the NIN-SIM policy to achieve its intended objectives, analysts suggest a multi-pronged approach:

Strengthening digital forensics through investment in real-time data analytics, artificial intelligence, and surveillance tools to enhance the tracking and interception of criminal communications.

Auditing SIM registration processes to identify and eliminate loopholes that allow unverified or fraudulently registered lines.

Enhancing inter-agency collaboration by creating a centralized and secure platform for data sharing among relevant agencies.

Improving public transparency by providing updates on how telecom data has contributed to arrests or crime prevention, thereby rebuilding public trust.

The rising number of kidnappings in Nigeria is not just a security issue but a national emergency affecting education, development, and social stability. With thousands of Nigerians abducted in repeated large-scale attacks within a short period, the crisis demands urgent, coordinated, and proactive measures.

The NIN-SIM linkage policy remains a potentially powerful tool within Nigeria’s security architecture. However, its current implementation appears insufficient to address the complex and evolving nature of criminal networks. Without significant improvements in enforcement, technology, and coordination, the policy risks becoming a symbolic measure rather than a functional solution to Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.

The post ANALYSIS: Rising Insecurity Raises Questions Over Effectiveness of Nigeria’s NIN-SIM Policy appeared first on Tech Digest News.

When nearly two million young Nigerians filed into computer-based test centres this year, they carried with them the weight of ambition, sacrifice, and hope. But for 6,458 of them, those dreams were frozen under suspicion—not due to laziness or lack of preparation, but because of high-tech fraud.

In August, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) launched a probe into thousands of UTME results after uncovering evidence of sophisticated malpractice. Out of the 1,931,467 candidates who sat for the exam, many now face disqualification over allegations of identity manipulation, image blending, and even attempts to hack the local networks of test centres. Nineteen accredited centres were implicated in collusion, revealing a disturbing truth: the very institutions meant to uphold fairness are now part of the problem.

The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2022, only 94 cases of malpractice were reported. In 2023, that number dropped to 84—seemingly a sign of progress. But by 2024, cases surged to 2,157, and in 2025, thousands more are under scrutiny. This exponential rise marks a shift from crude impersonation to coordinated, tech-enabled fraud. What was once the domain of dishonest students has evolved into networks of actors—some insiders—weaponising technology to bend the rules.

JAMB’s introduction of computer-based testing (CBT) in 2013 was meant to shut the door on traditional malpractice. For decades, “miracle centres” had defined Nigeria’s exam fraud industry, leaking papers or providing answers mid-exam. CBT was supposed to end that. But these centres adapted, infiltrating CBT networks to access questions before test time.

Today’s methods are alarmingly advanced. Impersonation has morphed into “finger pairing,” where fraudsters register with multiple fingerprints or use prosthetics to bypass biometric verification. Some candidates even exploit albinism claims to evade biometric cameras. The leak of exam questions has shifted from physical scripts to digital breaches—attempts to infiltrate Local Area Networks, often aided by insiders, resemble cyberattacks more than schoolyard cheating.

The most troubling development is the role of accredited centres. The 19 flagged this year show that malpractice is no longer just a candidate issue—it’s institutional. When exam administrators collude with candidates, the system is compromised from within. Unlike individual cheats, corrupt centres can taint the results of thousands.

Globally, exam fraud is a familiar battle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities deployed AI proctoring tools to monitor online exams, only to be outwitted by simple hacks. SAT and GRE organisers faced similar dilemmas. But in Nigeria, the stakes are higher. Exam fraud here is a multi-billion-naira industry, thriving on desperation, weak enforcement, and a culture of shortcuts.

Behind the statistics are real lives. Some candidates may be guilty, but many are innocent—victims of flawed biometric scans, false flags, or corrupt officials. For families who invested years of savings in tutoring and registration, the prospect of losing an academic year is a punishment harsher than the crime.

The broader consequence is a collapse in trust. If candidates and parents believe UTME results can be manipulated or sold, faith in meritocracy crumbles. Education has long been Nigeria’s most reliable ladder of social mobility. But if malpractice dominates headlines, genuine students may begin to wonder whether hard work still pays.

There’s also a reputational cost. Nigerian degrees already face skepticism abroad. News of biometric fraud and hacked exam centres only deepens doubts about the integrity of the system. Even local employers, already wary of graduate competence, gain another reason to question whether degrees reflect ability or fraud.

Perhaps most damaging is the message this sends to the youth. In a country where corruption often feels like the norm, watching peers cheat their way into university without consequence signals that dishonesty is rewarded. Those who learn to hack CBT servers at 17 may later apply the same skills to bank fraud, election rigging, or cybercrime. Instead of nurturing innovators, we risk grooming tech-enabled cheats.

The crisis at JAMB’s doorstep is not just about education—it’s a mirror of Nigeria’s digital fragility. If exam cheats can breach CBT networks and clone fingerprints, what does that say about the security of voter databases, banking systems, or national IDs? A society that tolerates cheating in education is effectively training its next wave of cybercriminals.

Solving this requires more than committees or mass result cancellations. Nigeria is in a digital arms race between regulation and fraud. To win, we must stay ahead. JAMB must invest in stronger digital infrastructure. Biometric verification alone is insufficient. Multi-layered authentication—combining biometrics with behavioural analysis, keystroke recognition, and AI-driven monitoring—should become standard. Accredited centres must undergo rigorous audits. Staff rotation and external oversight can reduce insider collusion. Cybersecurity partnerships are essential. Collaborations with edtech firms and global testing bodies can bring in expertise Nigeria currently lacks.

But JAMB cannot fight this battle alone. Agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) must become active partners. Exam malpractice has crossed into the realm of cybersecurity and demands the same vigilance used to protect banks and government databases.

Technology alone won’t solve this. The deeper battle is cultural. Integrity must be valued as highly as grades. This means harsher penalties for cheats—but also celebrating honest success. Schools should teach digital ethics, helping students understand that hacking an exam is no different from stealing a future.

Speed matters. Innocent students should not suffer months of uncertainty. Swift investigations, transparent appeals, and clear resolutions will help restore public confidence. Without that, every rumour becomes a stain on the entire process.

The UTME was designed to be Nigeria’s fairest gateway into higher education—a system where ability could outshine privilege. But if fraudsters can outwit biometric scanners, compromise exam centres, and infiltrate networks, then meritocracy itself is under siege.

This is not just about JAMB or the 6,458 results under suspicion. It’s about whether Nigeria can still guarantee that talent and hard work are rewarded in a digital age where even honesty feels hackable.

The real exam before the country is not multiple choice—it’s a test of integrity. If Nigeria fails to adapt its education system to the realities of modern technology, it risks nurturing a generation brilliant at beating the system but wholly unprepared to build the nation. And that is a result we cannot afford.

Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist based in Kano

The post The Unseen War: JAMB, Technology, and the Business of Cheating, by Shuaib S. Agaka appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The board on Monday inaugurated a 23-member committee in Abuja to investigate the cases, which it described as extraordinary infractions beyond conventional malpractice. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said examination fraud had evolved into highly technical methods, requiring broader expertise to detect and address.

“This year, we came across a number of strange things and we felt it would be better to expand our resources. Examination malpractice is something that we must fight with every pinch of blood in our veins because unchecked fraud could harm several sectors and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” Oloyede said.

According to him, while 141 cases of traditional malpractice have been referred to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the new panel will focus on more sophisticated schemes such as image blending, false claims of albinism, finger pairing, and attempts to breach the Local Area Network (LAN) of CBT centres. He explained that many of the infractions were perpetrated in collusion with some accredited test centres.

The committee, chaired by Dr. Jake Epele, has three weeks to complete its assignment. Its mandate includes identifying the technologies and methods used for the infractions, reviewing JAMB’s registration and examination policies, and recommending reforms to protect the integrity of future assessments.

“We believe that those who are found not guilty should have the opportunity to proceed with admission, which is why we set a strict timeline. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Oloyede said.

Responding, Dr. Epele described the assignment as a national duty. “Examination malpractice is not just a breach of rules. It is a direct assault on integrity, merit, and the future of our youth. This is a sacred call to defend the credibility of our examinations and restore public confidence,” he stated.

The committee includes senior academics, technology experts such as Dr. Chuks Okpaka of Microsoft Africa, security specialists, and student representatives. Their work is expected to help JAMB close gaps in the examination system and reinforce confidence in the UTME as the primary gateway into Nigeria’s higher education system.

The post JAMB Probes 6,458 UTME Results Over High-Tech Exam Malpractice appeared first on Tech Digest News.

At least 20 individuals are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja for allegedly hacking the 2025 Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Investigations by TechDigest revealed that the suspects are part of a larger cybercrime syndicate believed to include over 100 members. The group is accused of targeting examination bodies such as JAMB and the National Examinations Council (NECO) by hacking their computer servers to manipulate examination outcomes.

Security sources confirmed on Friday that the suspects have confessed to deploying sophisticated tactics aimed at sabotaging the CBT system. Their goal, according to the confessions, was to discredit JAMB and frustrate ongoing efforts to adopt CBT for other national examinations like WAEC and NECO.

One of the suspects allegedly admitted to installing malicious software on JAMB hardware, enabling remote access to the examination body’s servers at targeted CBT centres.

“The hackers would set up routers near CBT centres to override JAMB’s systems, allowing special candidates—who paid hefty sums—to receive answers during the exam,” the source explained.

He further stated that the breach affected exam integrity, with the inserted software disrupting the alignment between questions and the answers submitted, contributing to widespread failures during the exercise.

According to findings, candidates paid between ₦700,000 and ₦2 million for access to the illicit services. The suspects reportedly include school proprietors who run unaccredited ‘special centres’ and rake in profits from examination malpractices. They are believed to oppose the expansion of CBT-based exams, fearing the move would cripple their operations.

While arrests have been made in states including Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kano, and Delta, the identities of the suspects are being withheld pending their arraignment in court.

The DSS, according to the source, had been secretly investigating the syndicate and made the arrests following months of surveillance. He also clarified that no evidence of involvement had been found against the seven JAMB staff who supervised the affected CBT centres.

Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

The post JAMB: DSS, Police Nab 20 Suspects Over 2025 UTME Result Hacking appeared first on Tech Digest News.

This initiative highlights the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth and expanding access to higher education in the region.

The program, designed to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, will enable beneficiaries to pursue their academic aspirations without the constraints of registration costs.

Of the 1,000 students, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy personally sponsored 550, accounting for more than half of the beneficiaries. Additional support was provided by Salisu Abdurrazak Sahel, who sponsored 200 students, and Nafi’u Muhammad, who funded 250 students.

Their collective contributions have made this transformative initiative possible, showcasing a shared vision for fostering educational opportunities and socio-economic growth.

The Professor Isa Pantami Foundation’s efforts underscore its dedication to creating a more equitable educational landscape and nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals.

By investing in these 1,000 students, the Foundation and its partners aim to inspire hope, drive academic excellence, and contribute to the long-term development of the region.

This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the profound impact of targeted educational support. The Foundation remains committed to its mission of empowering communities through education and creating pathways for sustainable progress.

The post Professor Pantami Foundation Sponsors JAMB Registration for 1,000 Students appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released results of the 2022 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted on April 9.

JAMB made this known in its Weekly Bulletin of the Office of the Registrar, on Monday in Abuja.

“Consequently, candidates who sat for the examination are to visit www.jamb.gov.ng and click on ‘2022 Mock Result Checking’ and input their UTME registration number to access their results,” it stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no less than 175, 000 candidates sat for the examination at JAMB’s 757 centres nationwide.

READ ALSO :No Extension Of UTME Registration Deadline – Oloyede

The Registrar of the board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who spoke to NAN after the Saturday exercise, had expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the exercise nationwide.

Oloyede said that the 175,000 candidates, who wrote the mock examination, were limited to only one session which started between from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

He also assured that the board and all the Computer Based Tests (CBT) centres were ready for the conduct of the 2022 main examination coming up from May 6 to May 16.

NAN reports that a total of 1.8 million candidates were registered for this year’s main UTME. (NAN)

The post JAMB Releases UTME Mock Results appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof Ishaq Oloyode, on Friday in Kano said the board had so far registered not fewer than 1.4 million candidates across the country for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

He reminded candidates that there would be no extension of the March 26 deadline for the UTME registration.

READ ALSO : 2022 UTME: JAMB Introduces Self-Registration Centres, New USSD Code

Oloyode said this while ascertaining the level of preparedness and facilities at the Kano zonal office of the board.

According to the JAMB boss, the board will not succumb to any pressure to extend the UTME registration, pointing out that it had fulfilled all the requirements for a hitch-free registration of prospective candidates.

‘’My mission in Kano is to assess the level of registration. There is no crowd at the centres; the registration is going on smoothly, but the board is worried that towards the end of the exercise, people will be clamouring for an extension,” he stated.

Oloyede noted that the National Identification Number was no longer a problem and called for the sensitisation of candidates.

The registrar pointed out that so far, the board had registered 1.4 million candidates across the country.

The post No Extension Of UTME Registration Deadline – Oloyede appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has established self-registration centers in Abuja and Lagos, for the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) examinations.

According to the board, the technique will eventually minimize crowding at computer-based test centers (CBTs) in cities.

“This system would, in the long run, reduce the crowds at CBT centres in these cities,” JAMB said in a bulletin.

“The conception of this noble idea is to, besides advancing the digital competence of candidates who feel they can do the registration on their own, expand the registration access points in line with COVID-19 protocols.”

JAMB stated that it was to utilize the digital competence of its increasing number of computer-savvy candidates to ease registration processes.

The board announced that they have adopted the numbers 66019 code apart from the 55019 they had used since 2018 for the UTME and DE registrations and other essential services.

It explained that the idea is to facilitate the 2022 UTME and DE registrations so that there won’t be many complaints.

The new method will also make sure that people do not find it difficult to create profiles, especially as a lot of people send requests with one USSD code.

The post 2022 UTME: JAMB Introduces Self-Registration Centres, New USSD Code appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says that it has concluded plans to adopt additional USSD code to be used by examination candidates besides the 55019 code that has been in operation since 2018 for registration and other essential services offered by the board.

This is seen as part of the measures by the examination body for a hitch-free 2022 UTME/DE and to ensure that there is no congestion during the registration exercise when a lot of candidates would be sending their requests through 55019 for registration and examination.

This disclosure is contained in JAMB’s weekly bulletin recently released by its Director of Public Relations, Fabian Benjamin, and can be seen on its website.

The 55019 code is used to create profiles for registration by candidates who are required to send their National Identification Number (NIN) via the code for their details to be pulled from the database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before proceeding to a certified centre for their biometric capturing.

The statement from JAMB partly reads, ‘’As part of the intensive preparations for a hitch-free 2022 UTME/DE registration exercise, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is putting finishing touches to all arrangements for the institution of an additional Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code to be used by candidates.

‘’The 55019 code is used to create profiles for registration by candidates who are required to send their National Identification Number (NIN) via the code for their details to be pulled from the NIMC database before proceeding to a certified centre for their biometric capturing.

‘’To ensure that there is no congestion during registration when many candidates would be sending their requests via 55019 for the 2022/23 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) Registration and Examination, the Board has concluded arrangements to have an alternative code with a similar function for the benefit of candidates should they encounter any unexpected challenge with the other code.’’

JAMB has used the 55019 code exclusively since 2018 for the UTME registration and examination exercises successfully.

The planned introduction of another USSD code is to help the examination board align its service delivery with global best practices as well as a desire to eliminating any hurdle that could ever be encountered by candidates in a bid to create their profiles.

This would ensure that candidates get value for money spent as well as the quality service they deserve.

The post JAMB Adopts New USSD Code For UTME/DE Registration And Examination appeared first on Tech Digest News.