If you have lost the phone number or SIM card you used for your JAMB registration, or you can no longer access the email address linked to your JAMB profile, there is now an official way to update your details.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reviewed its policy on changing candidates’ registered GSM numbers and email addresses. Candidates who have genuinely lost access to their registered SIM or email can now request a SIM swap, email change, or both through a controlled process.
The new service commenced on Monday, September 21, 2026, and JAMB says it is subject to strict authentication procedures. Importantly, the service can only be used once by each candidate.
This guide explains who can use the service, what you need, how to change your JAMB SIM number or email, and important things to know before visiting a CBT centre.
What Is the New JAMB SIM Swap and Email Change Service?
The JAMB SIM Swap/eMail Change service allows candidates who have lost access to their previously registered phone number and/or email address to update their JAMB profile with new contact details.
This is particularly useful if:
- You lost the SIM card used during JAMB registration.
- Your registered phone number is no longer accessible.
- You lost access to the email address linked to your JAMB profile.
- You need to replace both your old phone number and email address.
- You are unable to receive JAMB messages or access important services because you no longer have your registered contact details.
JAMB previously restricted changes to registered GSM numbers because of security concerns. The Board says stronger identity authentication and biometric verification systems have now allowed it to review that policy.
Can I Change My JAMB Phone Number in 2026?
Yes. JAMB now allows eligible candidates to change their registered GSM number through the new SIM Swap service.
However, this is not an unrestricted change that candidates can perform repeatedly. JAMB has stated that the service is available only once for each candidate and is subject to authentication.
Candidates are therefore advised to make sure their new phone number is active and belongs to them before completing the process.
Can I Change My JAMB Email Address?
Yes. Candidates who have lost access to their registered email address can also use the new service to change their email.
You can request:
- GSM number change only
- Email address change only
- Both GSM number and email address
The appropriate option can be selected during the process at the designated JAMB centre.
Requirements for Changing Your JAMB SIM Number or Email
Before starting the process, candidates should have the following:
1. A New GSM Number
If you are changing your phone number, you need a new, active GSM number that you can access.
Make sure the number is available and working before beginning the process.
2. A New Email Address
If you are changing your email address, you should have access to the new email account.
Use an email address that you intend to keep using for your JAMB-related activities.
3. Court Affidavit
JAMB’s new process requires candidates to have a duly executed Court Affidavit, scanned and ready for upload.
Make sure the document is clear and readable before going to the CBT centre.
4. Your JAMB Details
You should also have important details associated with your JAMB profile, such as your:
- JAMB Registration Number
- Profile Code
- Existing GSM number, where available
- Existing email address, where accessible
- Other identification details required for verification
How to Change Your JAMB SIM Number
If you lost your registered JAMB SIM and want to replace it, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Log Into JAMB e-Facility
Start by logging into your JAMB e-Facility account using your existing credentials.
You may use your available JAMB profile information, including your Registration Number or Profile Code, where applicable.
JAMB provides access to its e-Facility through its official website.
Step 2: Select SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment
After accessing your profile, look for the option labelled:
“SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment”
Select the service and make the prescribed payment.
Do not pay unofficial agents or individuals claiming that they can perform the change for you outside the approved process.
Step 3: Visit a Designated JAMB CBT Centre
After payment, proceed to a designated JAMB CBT (PTC/PRC) Centre or applicable JAMB State Office to continue the process.
Candidates should use authorised JAMB channels and avoid unauthorised persons.
Step 4: Access the SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink
At the designated centre, the authorised CBT official will access the appropriate SIM Swap/eMail Change Quicklink.
You will then provide the information required to retrieve your JAMB profile.
Step 5: Enter Your Profile Code or Existing GSM Number
Enter your Profile Code or existing GSM number and select “Fetch Details.”
Your candidate information will then be retrieved for the next stage of the process.
Step 6: Complete Biometric Verification
You will be required to complete biometric verification.
This is an important security step because JAMB is using biometric authentication to ensure that the person requesting the change is the genuine candidate.
JAMB has stated that the revised process is subject to strict authentication measures designed to prevent impersonation, fraud and unauthorised changes to candidates’ records.
Step 7: Select the Service You Need
You will be asked to select the type of change you want to make.
The available options include:
- GSM Only
- Email Only
- Both GSM and Email
Select the option that applies to your situation.
Step 8: Enter Your New Details
Enter your new GSM number and/or email address.
Double-check the information carefully before proceeding because the service is available only once per candidate.
Step 9: Upload Your Court Affidavit
Upload the scanned copy of your duly executed Court Affidavit as required.
Make sure the document is clear and readable so that it can be properly processed.
Step 10: Click Update
After confirming that all your information is correct, click “Update” to submit the request.
A confirmation message should appear when the update has been successfully completed.
How to Change Both JAMB Phone Number and Email
If you have lost access to both the phone number and email address registered with JAMB, you do not necessarily need to process them separately.
During the SIM Swap/eMail Change process, select:
Both GSM and Email
You can then enter your new GSM number and new email address and upload the required Court Affidavit.
You will still have to complete the required authentication and biometric verification.
How Much Does JAMB SIM Swap Cost?
JAMB has introduced a payment step for the SIM Swap/eMail Change service. Candidates are required to select “SIM Swap/eMail Change Payment” through their JAMB e-Facility and pay the prescribed fee.
Because service fees can change, candidates should check the amount displayed on the official JAMB platform before making payment rather than relying on amounts posted by third parties.
Can I Change My JAMB Number More Than Once?
No.
JAMB has stated that the SIM Swap and/or email change service is available only once for each candidate.
This means you should be extremely careful when entering your new phone number or email address.
Before submitting your request:
- Confirm that the phone number is correct.
- Make sure the SIM is active.
- Make sure you can access the SIM.
- Check your email address carefully.
- Make sure you can log into the new email.
- Keep your new contact details safe.
Do I Need to Visit a JAMB Office?
The new process is designed to be completed through designated JAMB CBT centres, including applicable JAMB State Offices.
Candidates should not simply hand their details to a cybercafé operator or an unauthorised agent.
JAMB operates approved CBT centres and official offices for candidate-related services. Its official website also provides information about its offices and contact channels.
Can I Change My JAMB SIM Number Online by Myself?
The process is not simply an online self-service change.
Although the payment is initiated through JAMB e-Facility, candidates are required to proceed to a designated centre for the remaining steps, including biometric verification and submission of the required information.
Therefore, be careful with websites, agents or social media accounts claiming that they can change your JAMB registered phone number completely online without the required verification.
What If I Only Lost My SIM but Still Have Access to My Email?
If you have lost your registered SIM but still have access to your JAMB email, you can use the new service to request a GSM-only change.
You do not necessarily need to change your email if you can still access it and want to keep it linked to your JAMB profile.
What If I Lost My Email but Still Have My Phone Number?
If your registered phone number is still active but you can no longer access your JAMB email, you can request an Email-only change.
Select the email-only option during the process and provide your new email address as required.
Important Warning to JAMB Candidates
Do not give your JAMB profile details, passwords, PINs or verification information to unauthorised people.
JAMB’s decision to introduce stronger authentication and biometric verification is specifically intended to protect candidates’ profiles from impersonation and unauthorised alterations.
Candidates should therefore use only approved JAMB channels and designated centres.
JAMB’s official website is jamb.gov.ng.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my JAMB phone number in 2026?
Yes. JAMB now allows candidates who have lost access to their registered GSM number to request a SIM swap through the approved process.
Can I change my JAMB email address?
Yes. Candidates who have lost access to their registered email can request an email change.
Can I change both my JAMB SIM and email?
Yes. The new service allows candidates to request a GSM-only change, email-only change, or both.
Is JAMB SIM swap available to everyone?
The service is intended for candidates who have lost access to their registered GSM number and/or email and is subject to JAMB’s authentication requirements.
How many times can I change my JAMB phone number?
JAMB says the SIM Swap/eMail Change service can be used only once by each candidate.
Do I need a Court Affidavit?
Yes. Candidates using the new process are required to have a duly executed Court Affidavit scanned and ready for upload.
Do I need biometric verification?
Yes. Biometric verification is part of the authentication process at the designated JAMB centre.
Can a cybercafé change my JAMB SIM for me?
Candidates should not rely on unauthorised persons or channels. The process should be completed through designated JAMB CBT centres or applicable JAMB offices.
What should I do after changing my JAMB phone number?
Keep your new SIM active and secure. Also keep your new email address accessible if you changed it. Your updated contact details may be needed for future JAMB services and communications.
Final Thoughts
The new JAMB SIM Swap/eMail Change service is important for candidates who previously lost access to the phone number or email address linked to their JAMB profile.
From September 21, 2026, eligible candidates can request a GSM number change, email change, or both through the approved process. The process involves payment through JAMB e-Facility, visiting a designated CBT centre, biometric verification, submission of the required information and uploading a Court Affidavit.
Since the service can only be used once, candidates should carefully check their new phone number and email address before submitting the request.
For the latest updates and official JAMB services, always confirm information through the JAMB website and authorised channels.
