The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will commence on Friday, January 31, 2026, and close on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
With an estimated 1.8 million candidates expected to participate nationwide, the Board has urged prospective candidates to begin preparations early, warning that delays, data errors, and last-minute rushes could lead to disqualification or missed opportunities.
JAMB said the five-week registration window is sufficient—but only for candidates who comply strictly with its guidelines.
Key Registration Timeline
1. UTME Registration: January 31 – March 8, 2026.
2. Direct Entry Registration: March 10 – April 7, 2026
3. Official UTME Fee: ₦4,700
4. Total Registration Cost: ₦6,200 – ₦10,000, depending on CBT centre charges and mock examination options.
NIN Verification: The Foundation of 2026 Registration
JAMB has made it clear that no candidate will be registered without a valid and accurate National Identification Number (NIN).
According to the Board, all personal data used during UTME registration are automatically pulled from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database once a profile code is generated. As a result, any error in NIN details becomes permanent throughout the admission cycle.
Candidates are therefore required to verify the accuracy of:
Full name
Date of birth
Gender
State and local government of origin
Even minor discrepancies such as spelling errors or misplaced names—can halt registration entirely.
JAMB’s advice:
Candidates with incorrect NIN data must visit a NIMC office immediately and confirm that corrections have been updated before January 31.
How to Generate Your JAMB Profile Code
Profile code generation is mandatory and must be completed before visiting any CBT centre.
Procedure:
Send an SMS using the phone number linked to your NIN.
Format: NIN [space] 11-digit NIN number.
Example: NIN 12345678901
Send to: 55019 or 66019
Cost: About ₦50
Validity: Two weeks
JAMB warned that using a phone number not linked to the candidate’s NIN or incorrectly formatting the SMS will result in failure.
Details That Cannot Be Changed After Registration
JAMB has reiterated that the 2026 UTME allows no post-registration corrections to critical data.
The following must be accurate, personal, and functional:
- Phone number
- Email address
- O’Level or A-Level results
- Biometric data
Once submitted, these details are final for the entire admission cycle.
Heightened Security and Anti-Malpractice Measures
The 2026 UTME will be conducted under enhanced security following revelations from the 2025 examination cycle.
JAMB disclosed that:
- 4,251 biometric fraud cases were detected.
- 192 AI-assisted impersonation attempts were uncovered.
- 6,458 results were flagged as suspicious.
Over 30 suspects are currently facing prosecution, with several already in correctional custody.
The Federal Government has also approved a three-year ban for candidates found guilty of examination malpractice. JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, warned that arrests may occur during or even after the examination, as investigations remain ongoing.
Registration Requirements and Approved Centres
Required Documents
- Valid NIN.
- O’Level or A-Level results.
- Functional email address and phone number.
- Recent passport photograph.
- JAMB e-PIN purchased from authorised outlets.
Where to Register
- JAMB state offices
- Any of the 848 accredited CBT centres nationwide
Candidates have been warned against purchasing e-PINs from unauthorised vendors, as invalid PINs may render registrations void.
Common Registration Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect SMS format during profile code generation. Use the correct SMS format as displayed earlier.
- Using a phone number already linked to another JAMB profile. Use your own phone number.
- Network-related verification delays. Wait patiently or try it during less traffic hours.
- Biometric capture failures: JAMB advised candidates facing biometric issues to report directly to a JAMB office, noting that no CBT centre has the authority to force registration.
What Sets the 2026 UTME Apart
JAMB says lessons from previous examinations have informed major technological and operational upgrades for 2026.
According to the Board, all centres, personnel, and systems have undergone full accreditation and security validation, while stricter pre-registration data checks are expected to significantly reduce early-stage errors.
Why Early Registration Is Critical
Education experts and JAMB officials agree that early registration is the safest option.
Historical patterns show that:
- The first two weeks attract the highest traffic
- The final week is often plagued by server failures and overcrowding
- Data and biometric issues are easier to resolve when time remains
JAMB also requires dual-screen verification during registration to allow candidates to confirm their details in real time.
Direct Entry Candidates
Registration for Direct Entry applicants will run from March 10 to April 7, 2026. Successful candidates may be admitted into 200 or 300 Level, depending on their qualifications and institutional admission policies.
JAMB’s Final Warning
JAMB has cautioned individuals planning to manipulate the registration or examination process to stay away. With improved surveillance systems, active prosecutions, and stricter sanctions, the Board says malpractice will be met with decisive consequences.
A Defining Year for UTME Integrity
The 2026 UTME represents a decisive shift toward transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s university admissions system. JAMB has laid out clear procedures and firm deadlines, leaving little room for excuses.
Candidates who prepare early and follow instructions are unlikely to face difficulties. Those who ignore the warnings risk unnecessary frustration—or worse, exclusion from the process.
For parents and guardians, early guidance is crucial. For first-time candidates, preparation not panic is the key.
The message from JAMB is unmistakable: Get your data right, register early, and take responsibility.
The journey to university admission begins with successful JAMB registration. Make it count.