JAMB releases 2026 UTME registration guidelines and warnings

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released its official registration guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), emphasizing the mandatory requirement of the National Identification Number (NIN) and strict adherence to data accuracy.
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‎The announcement, made via the board’s official channel on Sunday, details the step-by-step process and the common technical challenges candidates must avoid to ensure a seamless registration exercise. The sale of the 2026 UTME form is scheduled to run from Friday, January 31, 2026, until Saturday, March 8, 2026.
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‎JAMB stressed that the successful registration depends on the accuracy of the personal data provided by candidates, which is automatically retrieved from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.
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‎Candidates must use a unique, unshared mobile number to send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019.
‎For example: Send NIN; 00000011111 to 55019/66019.
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‎Once the profile code is generated via SMS, it cannot be changed. The biodata retrieved at this point is final for the JAMB profile.
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‎The e-PIN must only be bought from authorized channels, which include designated banks, online platforms, or vendors at the registration centres.
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‎Candidates must proceed to an approved CBT Centre to complete registration, where a dual screen should be used to confirm all details, including the passport photograph and biometrics (all ten fingerprints).
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‎The board issued specific warnings regarding data discrepancies and technical issues that frequently derail candidates’ registration.
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‎Candidates with biodata mismatch (Name, DOB, Gender, etc.), are urged to correct details with NIMC early and confirm the changes are reflected on their portal before generating the profile code. GSM numbers and email addresses are unique, cannot be shared, and must be functional throughout the process.
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‎Candidates facing biometrics issues should visit the nearest JAMB office. CBT centres are not allowed to forcefully register a candidate with unresolved biometric issues.
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