2024 JAMB UTME - Candidates Concerns Over SIM Registration

As the registration period for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) progresses, some candidates are encountering obstacles related to SIM card registration changes. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) oversees this critical examination process for Nigerian tertiary institutions, with registration running from January 15th to February 26th, 2024.

Among those facing challenges is Promise Okeogene, a candidate from Bariga, Lagos, who shared his frustrating experience. Okeogene had previously encountered difficulties during the 2020 UTME registration due to age restrictions, preventing him from completing the process. Now, at 18 years old, he finds himself unable to register again because he lost the SIM card linked to his previous registration. He expressed his confusion, appealing to JAMB for assistance in resolving the matter.

Similarly, Ganiyu Aderogba, another candidate from Ikorodu, expressed his predicament. Despite being unable to link his new phone number with his National Identification Number (NIN), JAMB insists on the use of his old phone number from the 2021 registration, which he has since lost and not pursued recovering.

In response to these concerns, Dr. Benjamin Fabian, JAMB's spokesperson, reiterated the significance of the SIM card as a unique identifier for each candidate. He explained that maintaining consistency with the initial phone number used during registration is essential to prevent impersonation and examination malpractices effectively. According to Fabian, the stringent policy aims to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.

Fabian emphasized, "We want to block all avenues of impersonation because identity is important. If they have lost the SIM card they registered with earlier, they should go and welcome back, they should go and look for the SIM card, they can’t suddenly change their identity, the SIM card is a unique identifier that you can’t compromise."

He further clarified that JAMB does not utilize the National Identification Number (NIN) or court affidavits for identification purposes, relying solely on the SIM card as the primary identifier. This measure ensures the integrity of the examination process, mitigating the risk of malpractice.

As of Thursday, registration figures indicate that 1.7 million candidates have successfully registered for the 2024 UTME. Despite the challenges faced by some candidates, JAMB remains committed to upholding the integrity of the examination while providing necessary support to address registration issues effectively.

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