What If You’re in a Centre Where You Need Your Phone for Communication?

A 2025 UTME candidate, Archibong, raised a practical concern:

“What if you are in a centre where you need your phone for communication. How will you do?”

This is a valid question, especially for candidates writing in unfamiliar locations or travelling from far distances. Many students depend on their phones to call parents, locate their centres with Google Maps, or arrange transport after the exam.

What JAMB Says About Phones

JAMB’s policy is very clear:
Mobile phones are strictly prohibited in the exam hall.

You are not allowed to take your phone into the hall under any circumstances. Candidates caught with phones can be accused of malpractice and risk being disqualified.

So What Should You Do If You Need Your Phone?

Here’s what candidates like Archibong should do to stay safe while still being reachable:

1. Use Your Phone Before Entering the Centre

Call or text whoever you need to reach before entering the main gate or before the biometric screening begins.

2. Give Your Phone to Someone Outside

If you went with a friend, family member, or guardian, leave your phone with them until after the exam.

3. Speak to Security or Officials

If you’re alone, you may ask a trusted JAMB official or security personnel if there’s a safe spot to drop your phone temporarily (note: not all centres will agree to this).

4. Plan Ahead

Before the exam day, arrange all your transport and communication plans in advance. Make sure you know how to get home without needing to make a call from the centre.

Final Advice

JAMB won’t bend the rules because of personal needs. No matter the situation, you should never attempt to enter the exam hall with your phone. Plan early, communicate in advance, and avoid anything that could affect your future.

Thanks to Archibong for bringing up this important reminder.