Every year in Nigeria, millions of students sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with the hope of scoring very high marks. A good score increases your chances of getting admission into competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy.
However, not every student scores as high as they expected. After checking results, many candidates panic when they see lower scores. This often leads to the burning question:
“Can I upgrade my JAMB score after exam?”
In 2025 and beyond, this question has become even more popular because of rising admission competition. Sadly, the desperation of candidates has created opportunities for fraudsters who claim they can “upgrade JAMB results” for a fee.
In this guide, we will explain in simple terms:
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What JAMB score upgrading really means
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Whether it is possible or not
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How scammers deceive students with fake promises
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The official stance of JAMB on score upgrading
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Legal and academic risks of attempting it
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Safe, genuine alternatives to boost your admission chances
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Step-by-step actions you can take if your score is low
This article will give you the complete truth about JAMB score upgrading and show you the right way to handle a low score without falling victim to fraud.
What Does JAMB Score Upgrading Mean?
JAMB score upgrading is a term used to describe the false claim that someone can change or increase your JAMB result after the exam has been concluded. Fraudsters usually promise that they can “hack JAMB’s system” to add marks to your score, sometimes raising it from 150 to 280 or even 300 and above.
They often demand payment and claim they work “inside JAMB” or have “connections with JAMB officials.”
The promise looks attractive to desperate candidates, but the reality is different.
Can You Really Upgrade JAMB Score After Exam?
The short and final answer is NO. You cannot upgrade your JAMB score after the exam.
JAMB results are processed and stored in a highly secured database that cannot be altered by anyone outside the system. Even JAMB officials themselves cannot secretly increase a candidate’s score. Once your result is released, it is final and official.
Any website, person, or agent claiming to offer JAMB score upgrading services is a scammer.
Why JAMB Score Upgrading is Impossible
Here are the main reasons why upgrading JAMB score is not possible:
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Centralized Database: JAMB stores all UTME results in a central computer system with multiple security layers.
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No Manual Alteration: Once marked and uploaded, results cannot be changed manually by anybody.
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No Special Connection: Even if someone works in JAMB, they cannot alter scores because the system is automated.
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Result Verification: Universities cross-check JAMB results directly from JAMB’s official portal before giving admission. A fake or altered result will never match.
How Fraudsters Trick Candidates With Fake JAMB Upgrading
Fraudsters use different methods to deceive students and parents. Below are the common tricks they use:
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Fake Websites: They create cloned websites that look like JAMB’s official site and show a “new score” after you pay.
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Photoshopped Results: Some scammers edit a screenshot of your result and send it to you after collecting money.
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Fake Officials: They pretend to be JAMB staff or claim they have connections in the office.
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Upfront Payment: They ask you to pay a certain amount (₦10,000 – ₦50,000) before they “upgrade” your result.
Sadly, many desperate students fall for these tricks every year.
Dangers of Trying to Upgrade Your JAMB Score
Attempting to upgrade your JAMB score has serious consequences:
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Loss of Money: Most students lose huge amounts to scammers.
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Wasted Time: While chasing fake upgrading, admission deadlines pass.
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Admission Denial: Universities verify results directly from JAMB, so fake results get rejected.
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Legal Trouble: Presenting a forged or altered result is a criminal offence in Nigeria.
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Emotional Stress: The disappointment after realizing you’ve been scammed causes frustration and low self-esteem.
JAMB’s Official Stand on Score Upgrading
JAMB has repeatedly warned candidates that score upgrading is a scam. The board has also arrested several fraudsters posing as result upgraders.
According to JAMB:
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Once released, UTME results cannot be altered.
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Any claim of upgrading is fake.
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Candidates should ignore anyone making such offers.
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Always check your results only on the official JAMB result portal.
What You Should Do If Your JAMB Score is Low
Instead of wasting money on score upgrading scams, here are safer and smarter steps to take:
1. Accept the Result
Understand that your JAMB result is final. Accept it as a true reflection of your performance.
2. Explore Schools with Lower Cut-off Marks
Not all universities in Nigeria require 250 and above. Many institutions accept 160, 170, 180, or 200 as cut-off marks.
3. Consider Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
These institutions have lower cut-off marks and still provide quality education. You can later use Direct Entry to move to a university.
4. Change of Course or Institution
JAMB allows candidates to apply for a change of course or school that matches their score. This is a genuine alternative.
5. Prepare for Next Year
If you are determined to study a highly competitive course, consider waiting and preparing better for the next UTME.
Genuine Alternatives to JAMB Score Upgrading
Here are real strategies to secure admission without falling into fraud traps:
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Change of Course: Switch from highly competitive courses (like Medicine or Law) to less competitive ones where your score is enough.
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Change of Institution: Apply to schools that accept lower cut-off marks.
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Post-UTME Preparation: Many schools conduct screening exams. A strong Post-UTME performance can balance a low JAMB score.
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Direct Entry (DE): For candidates with A-levels, OND, or NCE, applying through DE increases admission chances.
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Private Universities: They often accept lower scores and give flexible admission.
Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid JAMB Score Upgrading Scams
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Do not share your JAMB registration details with strangers.
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Never pay money to anyone claiming to upgrade results.
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Check your result only on JAMB’s official website.
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Follow JAMB’s official announcements from their portal or accredited CBT centers.
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Educate others — tell your friends and siblings the truth about JAMB score upgrading.
Summary Table: Truth About JAMB Score Upgrading
| Question | Truth |
|---|---|
| Can JAMB score be upgraded? | No, it is impossible. |
| Is upgrading service real? | It is a scam. |
| What happens if you pay? | You lose money and get fake results. |
| Does JAMB allow alteration? | No, results are final once released. |
| Alternatives to upgrading? | Change of course, change of institution, Post-UTME, Direct Entry. |
FAQs About JAMB Score Upgrading
1. Can I upgrade my JAMB score after writing the exam?
No, once released, your JAMB result cannot be changed or upgraded.
2. Is JAMB score upgrading real?
No, it is fake. Anyone offering it is a scammer.
3. Can JAMB officials upgrade results?
No. Even JAMB staff cannot alter results.
4. What if my score is too low?
You can apply for a change of course/institution or prepare better for next year.
5. Will universities accept upgraded results?
No. They verify results directly from JAMB’s database.
6. Can Post-UTME help me with low JAMB score?
Yes. Performing well in Post-UTME can increase your admission chances.
7. Are there schools that accept 160 in JAMB?
Yes. Some universities and polytechnics accept candidates with 160.
8. Is it illegal to upgrade JAMB score?
Yes. Presenting a forged or altered result is a criminal offence.
9. What is the best alternative to upgrading?
Change of course, change of institution, or focusing on Post-UTME.
10. How do I avoid scams?
Never pay anyone claiming to upgrade JAMB results. Always rely on JAMB’s official channels.
Conclusion
The truth is clear: you cannot upgrade your JAMB score after exam. Anyone who promises to do it is only trying to steal your money.
Instead of chasing fake shortcuts, focus on genuine alternatives like changing course or institution, preparing for Post-UTME, or planning for the next exam.
Remember, success in admission does not always depend on scoring 300+. With smart choices and determination, you can still gain admission with your current score.
Stay informed, stay alert, and never fall for JAMB upgrading scams.