THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled a new initiative designed to assist candidates who have lost their SIM cards linked to previous registrations.
The Explainer gathered that the feature is now operational across all accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
JAMB, in an announcement on Thursday via X (formerly Twitter), stated that candidates in this situation can access the service by completing a designated template at the centres. However, the board reiterated that SIM swap services remain unavailable.
JAMB stated: “Good news for those who cannot retrieve their previously used but lost SIM cards. A feature is now available at all CBT centres to address your case. Kindly fill the template to access this service for the upcoming UTME/DE registration. Note that SIM SWAP is still not available.”
The Explainer gathered that this development comes just days before the commencement of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration.
According to JAMB’s schedule, UTME/DE registration is set to begin on Friday, 31 January, and end on Saturday, 8 March 2025. Meanwhile, the registration window for Direct Entry (DE) candidates will open on Monday, 10 March, and close on Monday, 7 April 2025.
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Cost Breakdown for 2025 UTME/DE Registration
The Explainer noted that JAMB has also released a breakdown of the cost implications for the 2025 UTME and DE registration. The official fees are as follows:
UTME (with Mock Exam): ₦8,700
UTME (without Mock Exam): ₦7,200
Mock Trial Testing for Future Candidates: ₦3,500
Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
Breakdown of these fees includes:
UTME/DE application fee: ₦3,500
Reading Text: ₦1,000
CBT Centre Registration Service Charge: ₦700
CBT Centre UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
CBT Mock Service Charge: ₦1,500
Bank Charges: ₦500
CBT Mock-UTME Centre Service Charge: ₦1,500
The Explainer gathered that the introduction of the lost SIM feature is expected to address concerns raised by candidates who have been unable to recover their registered phone numbers. Previously, such candidates faced difficulties retrieving their unique National Identification Number (NIN)-linked profile codes, a mandatory requirement for UTME/DE registration.
The inability to recover lost SIM cards has been a persistent issue, especially with Nigeria’s strict SIM registration and NIN integration policies. With mobile network operators enforcing stringent SIM retrieval processes, many candidates were left stranded, unable to complete their registrations.
Meanwhile, JAMB has advised candidates to take advantage of the registration period to complete their applications early and avoid last-minute challenges.
