JAMB Issues Critical Deadlines for 2026 UTME e-PIN Sales and Registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially declared that the sale of e-PINs for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will conclude at 12:00 midnight on Thursday, February 26, 2026. This announcement serves as a crucial reminder for all prospective candidates, including Nigerians residing abroad and those educated in foreign school systems, to obtain their e-PINs without delay.
In a statement released by JAMB's spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the board emphasized the urgency for candidates to secure their e-PINs before the vending deadline and proceed immediately to accredited centres to complete their registration. The e-PINs are essential for enabling candidates to proceed with the UTME registration process, which is a mandatory step for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Registration Window Closes on February 28
Following the e-PIN sales deadline, the actual registration for the UTME 2026 at accredited centres will close on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This two-day gap between the end of e-PIN sales and the registration closure provides a narrow window for candidates who have already obtained their e-PINs to finalize their registration details. JAMB has strongly advised candidates to avoid last-minute rushes by acting promptly to ensure a smooth registration experience.
The UTME is an annual computer-based test (CBT) that ranks thousands of young applicants seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria. The examination is a pivotal component of the country's educational system, and timely registration is critical to avoid disqualification.
Collaboration with TRCN to Enhance Examination Processes
In related developments, JAMB has reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to enhance professionalism and adherence to international best practices in education. During a courtesy visit by TRCN Registrar Ronke Soyombo to JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede, both agencies discussed potential partnerships in areas such as examination serialisation, randomisation, and monitoring.
Professor Oloyede assured that JAMB's doors remain open for ongoing support and synergy with TRCN, aiming to mutual benefit and improved educational standards. This collaboration underscores JAMB's broader efforts to streamline examination processes and ensure integrity in the UTME and other educational assessments.
Guidelines for UTME 2026 Registration
JAMB has also released detailed guidelines for the 2026 UTME registration, which require prospective candidates to have a National Identification Number (NIN), a valid email address, and other personal details. These requirements are part of JAMB's measures to enhance security and accuracy in the registration process, reducing instances of fraud and errors.
Candidates are encouraged to review these guidelines thoroughly and prepare all necessary documents in advance to facilitate a hassle-free registration. Failure to comply with the deadlines or guidelines may result in exclusion from the examination, impacting admission prospects for the academic year.
As the deadlines approach, JAMB continues to urge all stakeholders, including parents and guardians, to support candidates in meeting these critical timelines. The board remains dedicated to facilitating a transparent and efficient examination process for Nigeria's youth.
