The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the official guidelines that will govern the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration.
The announcement which was made on X (formerly Twitter) outlines the steps candidates must follow, the documents required, and the conditions that must be met before completing the process.
There are also several warnings aimed at preventing common errors that have affected candidates in previous years, all included in the guidelines.
What Process Does JAMB 2026 Registration Follows?
1. Verification of Personal Data
Before initiating registration, every candidate is expected to verify the accuracy of their personal information. This includes their National Identification Number, name arrangement, date of birth, gender, state of origin, and email address.
JAMB stresses that candidates must ensure these details are correct on the NIMC database, as the information will be transferred directly once registration begins.
2. Profile Code Generation
The first compulsory step in the registration sequence is the creation of a profile code. Candidates are required to send their 11-digit NIN to either of the designated shortcodes. The board emphasises that the format for sending this message must be strictly followed.
Once generated, the profile code becomes permanently tied to the candidate. JAMB warns that it cannot be altered, and any data errors discovered afterward will require correction at the NIMC offices before registration can continue.
3. Purchase of e-PIN
After obtaining a profile code, candidates must proceed to purchase an e-PIN from approved vendors. These include designated banks, official online payment platforms, and accredited centres. JAMB cautions candidates to avoid unapproved sellers, as invalid PINs will render registration impossible.
4. Completion of Registration at Accredited CBT Centres
Candidates must complete their registration at JAMB-approved Computer-Based Test centres or JAMB offices. During this stage, biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, will be captured.
The board notes that all data supplied during registration must be reviewed carefully before biometric confirmation. Once biometrics are taken, changes to the provided information will not be accepted.
Warnings and Mandatory Requirements
1. Use of Unique Phone Numbers and Emails
Each candidate is required to use a personal and unique mobile number and email address. These details become permanently linked to the individual’s registration profile and cannot be shared or replaced during the registration cycle.
2. Correction of Errors
Candidates who discover mistakes in their NIN details are directed to resolve them at NIMC offices before attempting to generate a profile code. JAMB will not override incorrect information obtained from the NIMC database.
3. Biometric Issues
The board has restated that candidates experiencing biometric challenges must report to JAMB offices for resolution. No CBT centre is permitted to register a candidate whose biometric data cannot be captured correctly.
4. Previously Used Numbers
If a phone number has already been used by another candidate in past examinations, it cannot be reused. Candidates are advised to obtain a new SIM if their previous number is no longer accessible.
5. Registration Timeline
The sale of forms for the 2026 UTME will commence on 31st January 2026. Registration is scheduled to close on 8th March 2026. Candidates are encouraged to begin the process early to avoid last-minute complications, reduced centre availability, and system congestion.
Furthermore, the board urges candidates to familiarise themselves with the published guidelines to avoid preventable delays or disqualification. Early verification of NIN details, strict adherence to official instructions, and registration only at accredited CBT centres remain central to a successful application.
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