JAMB resolves personal data errors blocking thousands of candidates from NYSC mobilisation

• JAMB has resolved personal data discrepancies affecting more than 3,000 candidates whose academic progression and NYSC mobilisation were stalled
• Most affected candidates were women seeking to update their names following marital changes and graduates who made errors during their initial registration
• NIMC has introduced a self-service portal for correcting personal information, while collaborating with JAMB to harmonise candidates’ records and eliminate discrepancies

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has let off the hook more than 3, 000 candidates whose academic aspirations and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation were stopped by erroneous information in their profiles. 

This was earlier reported by TheCable, who exclusively disclosed that the JAMB registrar, Segun Aina, called forth for a review of candidature cases where discrepancies were present and could not be adjusted due the board’s restriction on personal data. 

The board, in 2020, had made National Identification Number (NIN) a requirement for every candidate in pursuit of consolidation and harmony of personal details. The decision was also implemented to end examination malpractice and fraudulent registrations.

While the policy has produced positive results, negative impacts abound. For years, many graduates have reportedly been shut out of NYSC mobilisation, undergraduates encounter difficulties in accessing studentship programs and other opportunities. 

Candidates affected were mostly women trying to update their profiles and names due to changes in their marital status. Others are people who made mistakes during the initial registration with the positions of their names. 

Kayode Adegoke, the spokesperson for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), says the commission has launched a self-service portal that permits Nigerians with erroneous data to modify their details such as names, phone numbers and addresses. 

He also revealed that NIMC and JAMB are working collaboratively to ensure there is harmony and zero discrepancies in candidates’ records through the commission's database and deployed technology. 

The portal has been working for a year, Adegoke conclusively noted, after which he advised Nigerians to maximise the portal for relevant personal data corrections. 

2026 UTME: JAMB begins change of course, institution exercise for candidates

In a previous report by TheRadar, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) began the process for candidates to change institutions and courses after participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin announced this on Friday, May 15, in a statement shared on his X account.