Tag JAMB

To ensure a smooth registration process and reduce last-minute challenges, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has informed prospective candidates that profile code generation for the 2026 UTME is now available ahead of the commencement of registration.

Candidates are advised to generate and safely keep their profile codes, as this will be required once UTME registration officially begins.

1. NIN Requirement For Profile Code Generation

JAMB reiterated that possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for UTME and Direct Entry registration. All candidate data used during registration is sourced directly from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

EducationNGR also learnt that candidates with errors in their NIN details, such as name or date of birth, are advised to correct them immediately to avoid issues during registration.

2. How To Generate Your JAMB Profile Code

To generate a profile code, candidates are required to send an SMS using their personal GSM number in the following format:

NIN (space) Your 11-digit NIN number
Send to 55019 or 66019

Example:
NIN 12345678901

Once successful, JAMB will send a ten-character profile code to the same phone number. This number will remain permanently linked to the candidate and will be used for all communications relating to registration, examination, and admission.

3. Important Notes For Candidates

• The phone number used for profile code generation cannot be changed

• Biodata is automatically retrieved from the NIMC database

• Once generated, a profile code cannot be altered

4. Common Issues And What They Mean

Candidates may encounter the following responses during profile code generation:

• Error 550/66019: Incorrect SMS format; ensure the message follows the required format

• Number Already Registered: The phone number has been used previously; retrieve the original SIM or use a new number

• Unable To Verify NIN: Temporary verification issue; candidates should wait and retry later

5. Warning On Use Of Henna

JAMB has issued a strong warning to candidates on the use of henna, also known as laali or lale. The application of henna on fingers can obstruct biometric verification.

In some cases, attempts to remove henna using chemicals have damaged fingerprint patterns, making biometric authentication difficult or impossible. Candidates are therefore advised to keep all ten fingers clean and intact throughout the registration and examination processes.

JAMB stressed that successful biometric verification is compulsory, as candidates without valid authentication will not be allowed access to the examination hall.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to complete all preliminary steps early and remain alert for further official updates from the Board.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the list of accredited CBT Centres for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE).

Important Information for Candidates

• Registration is only allowed at JAMB-accredited centres.

• Candidates must not use unapproved cybercafes for registration, as this could invalidate their application.

How to Check Approved Centres

• Candidates should consult the attached PDF list of approved JAMB CBT Centres to find the nearest accredited centre for registration and other JAMB-related assistance.

Opportunities for Businesses and Schools

• Tutorial Centres, Business Centres, Cyber Cafes, Secondary Schools, Computer Schools, or any registered company can apply to become a JAMB CBT Agent and Training Centre.

• This allows them to assist candidates with registration and training for the upcoming 2026 exams.

Candidates are advised to rely only on accredited centres to ensure smooth registration and avoid any issues with their 2026 UTME/DE applications.

Download List PDF

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official registration procedure and process flow for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) exercise. The announcement covers registration timelines, eligibility rules, fees, biometric requirements, and examination dates for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.

EducationNGR also learnt that candidates are strongly advised to read and understand all registration guidelines before starting the process, as errors or violations may invalidate applications.

Key Registration Dates for 2026 JAMB

UTME

• Sale of UTME e-PINs: Monday, 19 January 2026 – Thursday, 26 February 2026

• UTME registration period: Monday, 26 January 2026 – Saturday, 28 February 2026

Direct Entry (DE)

• DE e-PIN vending and registration: Monday, 2 March 2026 – Saturday, 25 April 2026

• DE registration will take place only at JAMB State and Zonal Offices

Eligibility Rules (Age and Special Conditions)

• Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026

• Candidates below 16 may be considered only after an intensive evaluation and must score not less than 80% in UTME/A-Level, Post-UTME, SSCE, and the exceptional candidate assessment

• UTME results of underage candidates will be released only after the evaluation process

Once registration is completed using NIMC biodata, no change of biodata will be allowed for the 2026 admission exercise, except through the officially approved re-query process (TEMPL007).

JAMB 2026 Fees and e-PIN Categories

JAMB will maintain a fully cashless registration system with centralised collection of third-party fees.

e-PIN Categories

• Direct Entry: N5,700

• UTME without Mock: N7,200

• UTME with Mock: N8,700

Fee Breakdown

• UTME/DE application fee: N3,500

• Reading text: N1,000

• CBT centre registration charge: N700

• CBT UTME service charge: N1,500

• Bank charges: N500

• Mock-UTME centre charge (optional): N1,500

Candidates must choose the correct e-PIN type at purchase, as no refund will be made.

Biometric Integrity and Anti-Impersonation Rules

• All ten fingerprints must be captured correctly at the CBT centre

• Multiple NIN usage, double registration, or impersonation attracts severe sanctions

• Only candidates whose biometrics are successfully verified on examination day will be allowed to sit the UTME or Mock

UTME and DE Registration Periods (Recap)

• UTME registration (including foreign candidates): 26 January – 28 February 2026

• DE registration: 2 March – 25 April 2026

Candidates must have a valid and accessible personal email address before registration.

Minimum Entry Requirements

UTME (100 Level Degree / ND / NCE)

• Degree: Minimum of five (5) O’Level credits, including English, in not more than two sittings
  Mathematics is compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science programmes

• ND/NCE: Minimum of four (4) O’Level credits, including English (non-science) or Mathematics (science)

Direct Entry

• Minimum of five (5) O’Level credits, plus at least two A-Level or equivalent passes

• Acceptable qualifications include NCE, ND, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB (ANBC/ANTC), First Degree, Cambridge A-Level, IB (foreign), and other approved equivalents

• Awarding institutions must forward verification to JAMB before registration is completed

Important DE Rules Candidates Must Note

• DE candidates not awaiting results must upload all qualifications at registration

• Candidates awaiting A-Level results must upload admission letters and registration templates

• Statement of result is accepted only within three (3) years of award (NCE: one year)

• UTME to DE upgrade is allowed only for candidates who declared awaiting A-Level results

• DE admission status must be monitored on the e-Facility portal

Registration Centres and Rules

• Registration is allowed only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres

• Registration outside approved centres is done at the candidate’s own risk

• Parents, guardians, or proxies are not allowed to handle candidates’ profiles

• Group or school-based registration is strictly prohibited

Creation of JAMB Profile (Summary)

• Each candidate must use a unique phone number

• Send SMS: NIN (space) 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019

• A 10-character Profile Code will be sent to the candidate

• The same number and profile code remain valid for future JAMB exercises

UTME Examination Date for 2026

• UTME examination: Thursday, 16 April 2026 – Saturday, 25 April 2026

• Candidates will write the exam in their chosen examination town

• Optional Mock-UTME holds on Saturday, 28 March 2026

Final Notes to Candidates

• Registration fees are non-refundable

• All candidates will be tested on the compulsory reading text: The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba

• Phones, smart devices, wristwatches, and bags are not allowed in the examination hall

• Only admissions offered through JAMB CAPS and e-Facility are valid; admissions outside CAPS are illegal

EducationNGR advises candidates to register early, follow official instructions strictly, and avoid unapproved centres to prevent errors that could jeopardise their admission chances.

For many candidates, generating a JAMB profile code feels like the hardest part of the UTME process. Unfortunately, this is where many costly mistakes begin. Education experts warn that relaxing too early often leads to errors that later affect admission, course placement, or even outright disqualification. EducationNGR also learnt that most admission issues trace back to mistakes made immediately after profile code generation.

If you have successfully generated your 2026 JAMB profile code, the following are the critical next steps every candidate must follow carefully.

Step 1: Check Your Personal Details Immediately

Once your profile code is generated, carefully confirm your:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Gender

Any mistake noticed at this stage must be corrected immediately through the appropriate JAMB or NIMC channels. Errors that appear minor can later create serious problems during admission processing, NYSC registration, or certificate verification.

Step 2: Use a Valid and Personal Email Address and Phone Number

Candidates are strongly advised to use:

• An email address they can always access

• A personal phone number that will remain active

Do not use another person’s email address or phone number. All JAMB updates, password recovery links, admission notifications, and official communications will be sent through these contacts.

Step 3: Prepare for Your JAMB ePIN

Having a profile code does not mean you are registered. The next compulsory step is obtaining your ePIN, which is required before visiting any accredited CBT centre.

Candidates should ensure they:

• Purchase the ePIN only from approved vendors

• Avoid last-minute rush that may expose them to scams or inflated charges

Without an ePIN, UTME registration cannot proceed.

Step 4: Decide on Your Course and Institution Early

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is choosing courses and institutions hastily at the CBT centre. This often leads to poor decisions that reduce admission chances.

Before registration, candidates should:

• Research their intended course

• Confirm institutions that offer the programme

• Check admission requirements and competitiveness

Early planning allows for informed and realistic choices.

Step 5: Confirm the Correct Subject Combination

A wrong subject combination can invalidate an admission offer, even with a very high UTME score. Candidates must confirm that their chosen subjects align with their intended course.

For example:

• Engineering courses require Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry

• Law requires Literature in English

• Medicine and health sciences require Biology

Candidates are advised to verify subject combinations using the official JAMB brochure.

Step 6: Organise Your O’Level Results Properly

Candidates should clearly determine:

• Whether they are using one sitting or two sittings

• If they are registering with awaiting results

Ensure that:

• Required credits, including English Language and Mathematics where applicable, are available

• Results are ready for upload when required by JAMB or institutions

Failure to upload O’Level results on time has caused many candidates to lose admission in previous years, EducationNGR reports.

Step 7: Confirm Age and Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the minimum age requirement, usually 16 years by the time of admission. Those who do not meet this requirement should seek proper guidance before proceeding, as age discrepancies can result in disqualification later.

Step 8: Register Only at Accredited CBT Centres

Candidates are warned against registering through:

• Cyber cafés

• Roadside agents

• Unapproved operators

Only JAMB-accredited CBT centres are authorised to carry out UTME registration. Registering elsewhere increases the risk of errors, fraud, and invalid registration.

Step 9: Keep All Registration Records Safe

After registration, candidates should safely keep:

• Profile code

• ePIN receipt

• Registration slip

• Email address and password details

These documents will be required at different stages of the admission process.

Step 10: Stay Informed and Avoid Misinformation

Candidates are advised to rely only on:

• Official JAMB announcements

• Verified education news platforms

• Trusted academic advisers

Avoid rumours and unverified social media claims, especially those related to registration dates, cut-off marks, and admission guarantees.

Final Advice

Generating your JAMB profile code is only the beginning. Careful planning, accurate information, and early preparation are what truly secure admission. Candidates who follow these steps diligently stand a much better chance of avoiding errors and achieving their admission goals.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a new policy for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration. Under the updated process, all candidates will now be required to declare their current admission status — whether they are already students of any tertiary institution in Nigeria or abroad.

This move by JAMB is aimed at curbing impersonation and examination malpractice, which were found to be common among candidates during the 2025 UTME. EducationNGR gathered that this decision follows a review of multiple malpractice reports and irregularities recorded during the last examination cycle.

Why JAMB Introduced the New Rule

According to data from the 2025 UTME Infraction Report, over 90% of candidates caught in malpractice cases were already students of other tertiary institutions. These individuals attempted to exploit the examination system for unauthorised or fraudulent purposes.

To address this issue, JAMB has instructed all relevant departments to include a compulsory field in the 2026 UTME registration template. This field will require every applicant to clearly state their current studentship status before completing the registration process.

Penalties for False Declarations

Candidates who fail to declare their true status or provide false information risk strict penalties. Such actions could lead to:

• Cancellation of current registration
• Withdrawal of any previously granted admission
• Possible prosecution under existing laws

This directive serves as an early warning to prospective candidates that JAMB will not tolerate actions that compromise the credibility of its examinations or the integrity of the admission system.

JAMB’s Commitment to Transparent Admissions

The Board reiterated that the UTME is primarily intended for fresh admission seekers. Those already enrolled in tertiary institutions must not register for the examination without full disclosure of their status.

EducationNGR also learnt that this initiative aligns with JAMB’s wider digital reform programme aimed at promoting data transparency across all tertiary institutions. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining fairness and accountability in the Nigerian admissions process. By enforcing this new measure, JAMB seeks to strengthen public confidence in the integrity of higher education admissions across the country.

At the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions held on 18 July 2025, and chaired by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa CON, key decisions were made on the timelines for the 2025 admission exercise.

According to the resolution, all public universities must complete and forward their lists of qualified candidates who chose them as their first choice to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) no later than Tuesday, 30 September 2025.

Private universities are expected to submit their admission recommendations by Friday, 31 October 2025. This schedule allows enough time for other tertiary schools, such as polytechnics and colleges of education, to carry out their admissions.

The meeting further agreed that the 2025 admission process would close on the following dates:

• Public Universities: 31 October 2025
• Private Universities: 30 November 2025
• Polytechnics and Colleges of Education: 31 December 2025

These dates are set to promote an organised and consistent academic calendar across all institutions, giving each tier of tertiary education room to manage admissions properly.

JAMB, through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), observed that some schools have yet to submit any admission recommendations, despite the clear instructions and sufficient time given.

It was especially noted that several public universities missed the September deadline. The meeting had directed all institutions to process and archive their admissions even if they were not ready to resume classes, to ensure adherence to the schedule.

As a result, the following universities are urged to begin their 2025 admission processes immediately:

• Northwest University, Kano (Kano State)
• Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil (Kano State)
• Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil (Kano State)
• Benue State University, Makurdi (Benue State)
• Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna (Niger State)
• Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna (Kaduna State)
• Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo (Oyo State)
• Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Funtua (Katsina State)

JAMB has advised these schools to begin their admission activities without further delay.

If any institution fails to comply within the approved period, the Board will automatically move unprocessed candidates to the next available tier of schools for possible placement.