The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially rolled out the registration framework for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The announcement, made public on Sunday, December 7, 2025, provides a crucial roadmap for millions of prospective candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Key Dates and Mandatory Requirements for 2026 UTME
The board has confirmed that the sale of the 2026 UTME application forms will commence on Friday, January 31, 2026. The registration window will remain open for over a month, closing on Saturday, March 8, 2026. This gives candidates ample time to complete the process.
JAMB has reiterated several non-negotiable prerequisites for registration. Possession of a National Identification Number (NIN) remains compulsory. Additionally, every candidate must have a personal, functional email address and a dedicated mobile phone number. The board warned that these contact details are unique identifiers and cannot be shared or altered after registration.
Step-by-Step Registration Procedure
The registration process begins with candidates sending their 11-digit NIN via SMS to either 55019 or 66019. The correct format is NIN 00000011111 sent to the designated number. Upon successful verification, a profile code will be generated.
It is critical to note that once a profile code is created, it cannot be changed, as biodata is automatically pulled from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database. JAMB strongly advises candidates to visit NIMC early to correct any discrepancies in their data—such as name, date of birth, or state of origin—before initiating the UTME registration.
After obtaining the profile code, candidates should proceed to any accredited JAMB office or approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre to complete their registration. The board emphasised that the E-PIN for registration must be purchased exclusively from authorised channels like banks, online platforms, or official vendors at the centres.
Common Challenges and JAMB's Advisory
Anticipating potential hiccups, JAMB highlighted frequent issues candidates may face during profile creation. These include:
- Error 550/66019: This indicates an incorrectly formatted SMS. Candidates must ensure they use the exact command structure.
- Number Already Registered: This means the phone number is linked to an existing profile. The solution is to retrieve the original SIM or use a new number.
- Unable to Verify NIN: If this occurs, candidates are advised to wait and try again later.
JAMB also addressed biometric failures, instructing candidates with such issues to visit the nearest JAMB office, as no CBT centre should force registration. The board mandated the use of dual-screen systems at registration points to ensure candidates properly confirm their captured passport photographs and biometrics before final submission.
The release of these guidelines by the Prof. Ishaq Oloyede-led board marks the official starting gun for the 2026 admission cycle. With the registration period clearly defined, prospective university, polytechnic, and college of education students are urged to meticulously prepare their documents and ensure all personal data with NIMC is accurate to avoid disqualification or complications.
