JAMB Clarifies Profile Code Generation for 2026 UTME Candidates Without Phone-Linked NIN
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has provided detailed clarification on how prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) can generate their profile codes when their National Identification Number (NIN) is not linked to a phone number. This announcement comes as the board prepares for the annual registration exercise that determines admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Registration Guidelines and Candidate Responsibilities
During the announcement of the registration timeline in Lagos, JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede emphasized the importance of candidates thoroughly studying the examination guidelines before beginning their registration process. Understanding these rules remains the most effective way to avoid sanctions during both registration and examination phases, according to the registrar's official statement.
The UTME serves as the primary gateway for Nigerian students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country. While some critics have called for the examination's suspension, arguing that candidates should apply directly to their preferred institutions, JAMB maintains its position as the central coordinating body for tertiary admissions in Nigeria.
Step-by-Step Process for Profile Code Generation
JAMB addressed specific concerns raised on social media regarding NIN validation and profile code generation. The examination board responded directly to questions from prospective candidates and their parents, including one from Oladapo Tinubu who inquired about his daughter's situation with an unattached NIN phone number.
The official JAMB response outlined the following procedure:
- Visit the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to validate the NIN
- Send "NIN" followed by a space and the eleven-digit NIN number to either 55019 or 66019
- Example message format: "NIN 23456789012" sent to 55019 or 66019
This clarification comes as JAMB prepares to open registration for the 2026 UTME, with forms scheduled to be available from January 31 through March 8, 2026.
Candidate Concerns and Social Media Reactions
Prospective UTME candidates have expressed various concerns regarding the registration process through social media platforms. These include questions about previous admissions, NIN discrepancies, and technical issues with profile code generation.
Several specific cases emerged in the comment sections:
- Pluto inquired about retrieving a lost SIM card associated with a previously generated profile code
- Olasunkanmi Abdulhaleem sought clarification on whether candidates admitted the previous year could register for another UTME
- Couple Goals asked about updating NIN details that still appear as old information in the JAMB system
- Adam Jr raised concerns about date of birth discrepancies affecting graduation plans
Essential Registration Requirements
Beyond the NIN validation process, JAMB has outlined several mandatory requirements for 2026 UTME registration. Prospective candidates must secure:
- A valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- An active email address
- Other personal identification documents as specified in the registration guidelines
The examination board continues to emphasize the importance of following official procedures and avoiding third-party intermediaries who might compromise the registration process. Candidates are advised to rely only on verified JAMB communication channels and official announcements.
As registration approaches, JAMB maintains its commitment to streamlining the admission process while addressing the practical challenges faced by candidates across Nigeria's diverse educational landscape.
