New directives aim to streamline registration and curb exam-related irregularities
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially released the registration guidelines for the 2026 UTME, providing prospective candidates with detailed instructions on how to register, what to check, and common pitfalls to avoid. The announcement — made on Sunday via the Board’s official X (formerly Twitter), handle — aims to help hopefuls smoothly navigate the upcoming registration cycle.
Registration Window & Sale of Forms
The 2026 UTME forms will be on sale from Friday, 31 January 2026 to Saturday, 8 March 2026.
Prospective candidates are urged to complete their registration within this window to avoid missing the deadline.
What Candidates Must Do: Step-by-Step
- Verify Personal Information
- Before generating your profile code, ensure that personal details — including your National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)-registered National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and (if applicable) A-Level results — are accurate and up to date.
- To generate your profile code, send your 11-digit NIN by SMS to either 55019 or 66019 (e.g., “NIN 00000011111” to 55019/66019).
- Once generated, the profile code is final and cannot be changed. JAMB will automatically retrieve biodata from NIMC.
- Purchase E-PIN from Authorized Channels
E-PINs (the pre-requisite for registration), must only be acquired through authorised sources — approved banks, official online platforms, or verified vendors at accredited registration centres.
2. Register at an Accredited Centre or JAMB Office
After obtaining E-PIN and profile code, candidates should visit the nearest approved CBT centre or any JAMB office to finalise registration.
During registration, candidates must use a dual-screen setup to verify that their passport photograph and biometrics (fingerprints), are correctly captured.
3. Check Information Carefully Before Final Submission
Correct any mismatches early — for example: name, date of birth, gender, state of origin — via NIMC, and confirm that the changes are reflected before proceeding.
Ensure your GSM number and email address are unique, active, and not shared — as they will serve as your unique identifiers.
Watch Out: Common Issues & Warnings
JAMB highlighted some common problems that candidates may face during registration — and issued advice on how to avoid them.
- Errors when generating profile code — such as “Error 550/66019” which indicates incorrectly formatted NIN submission. Candidates should follow the exact format (e.g., “NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019”).
- “Number Already Registered” message — this usually means the phone number is already linked to an existing JAMB profile. In that case, candidates must retrieve the SIM or register using a different, unused number.
- NIN verification failures — sometimes NIMC data may not verify immediately. Candidates must wait a bit and retry, or ensure their NIMC record is updated.
- Biometric issues at centres — If a CBT centre reports biometric or fingerprint problems, candidates are instructed to visit the nearest JAMB state office. Centres should not force registration.
New Requirement: Admission-Status Declaration
A major update for 2026: every candidate registering for UTME must now declare their current admission status. That is, whether they are already admitted into a university, polytechnic, college of education, or other tertiary institution.
This move aims to curb impersonation, double admissions, and other malpractices — particularly those involving candidates already enrolled in tertiary institutions registering again.
Any candidate who fails to declare — or is found to have submitted false information — risks cancellation of registration, withdrawal of admission, and even possible prosecution.
What This Means for Aspiring Candidates (Especially in 2026)
Start Early — make sure your NIMC data is accurate, especially name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin.
Use Valid Contact Details — your email and GSM number must be unique, functional, and not shared. Once submitted, these cannot be changed.
Be Cautious and Avoid “Shortcuts” — Avoid unofficial vendors or unauthorised centres. Ensure E-PINs come from approved sources.
If You’re Already in Tertiary School — Be Transparent — The new admission-status declaration is mandatory. Failing to disclose will have serious consequences.
Double-Check Everything Before Submission — From passport photo background to fingerprint capture — errors delay or jeopardise registration.
Final Thoughts
With these updated guidelines, JAMB appears to be doubling down on transparency, accuracy, and integrity for the 2026 UTME. For prospective candidates — especially first-time applicants — it’s vital to take the instructions seriously, ensure data accuracy, and avoid last-minute rushes that often lead to mistakes.
By following the steps carefully, you stand a better chance of completing registration smoothly and focusing on preparing for the exam itself.
