The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a definitive statement regarding the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration process, confirming that the deadline will remain firm without any possibility of extension. Candidates across Nigeria have been warned that registration will officially close on Thursday, February 26, 2026, marking the final opportunity for prospective university students to secure their examination slots.
Strict Deadline Enforcement
In its weekly bulletin released on Monday, JAMB emphasized that the registration period for the 2026 UTME will conclude precisely on February 26, 2026, with absolutely no extension granted under any circumstances. The Board has taken this firm stance to maintain its operational calendar and ensure proper coordination with other national examination bodies. "Any extension would disrupt this coordinated schedule and encroach on timelines already allocated to other national examinations," JAMB noted in its official communication.
Concerns Over Low Registration Turnout
Despite registration having commenced on January 26, 2026, JAMB has expressed significant concern about the surprisingly low turnout of candidates at accredited centers nationwide. The Board disclosed that approximately one million candidates have indicated interest in the examination, with many having already procured their ePINs, yet numerous prospective examinees have failed to complete the registration process. This pattern has raised alarms within the examination body about potential last-minute complications.
Warning Against Last-Minute Registration Rush
JAMB has specifically cautioned candidates against the recurring practice of waiting until the final days before demanding registration extensions. "This recurring pattern, where candidates deliberately wait until the last minute and subsequently agitate for an extension, will not be entertained," the Board stated unequivocally. The examination body has observed this trend in previous years and has implemented measures to prevent similar occurrences for the 2026 UTME cycle.
Addressing Misleading Information Campaigns
The Board has identified what it describes as deliberate misinformation campaigns orchestrated by examination cheats and individuals posing as tutorial center operators. According to JAMB, these actors intentionally mislead candidates to delay registration, creating artificial pressure for deadline extensions that could facilitate examination malpractice opportunities. "JAMB is fully aware of these deliberate tactics and has factored them into its planning. There will be no extension of the registration period," the examination body affirmed.
Operational and Calendar Constraints
JAMB explained that extending the registration window would create significant practical challenges, as its operational calendar is meticulously synchronized with those of other national examination bodies. The Board maintains a carefully planned schedule that accommodates various examination processes, result compilation, and admission timelines. Disrupting this schedule would have cascading effects on the entire tertiary education admission cycle for 2026.
Final Recommendations for Candidates
The examination body has issued clear guidance for all prospective UTME candidates:
- Complete registration immediately without further delay
- Avoid last-minute registration rushes that could lead to errors
- Ignore any claims suggesting possible deadline extensions
- Utilize legitimate preparation resources rather than questionable advice
- Ensure all registration requirements are properly fulfilled before the deadline
JAMB has reiterated that candidates who fail to register by the February 26 deadline will forfeit their opportunity to participate in the 2026 UTME. The Board has deployed additional resources to registration centers to accommodate the expected final surge of candidates while maintaining the integrity of the registration process.
