JAMB Releases Full 2026 UTME Registration Guidelines

• The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has published its detailed 2026 UTME registration procedures, alongside a list of common challenges candidates may face, urging applicants to verify personal data and follow approved channels.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released comprehensive guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, including advice on resolving common challenges.

The announcement was made via the Board’s official X handle on Sunday to help prospective candidates prepare ahead of the exercise.

Procedure for Registration

Candidates are advised to verify their personal details — including National Identification Number (NIN), email, and A-Level results — before generating a profile code.

“Candidates should ensure their personal details, including National Identification Number (NIN), email, and A-Level results, are accurate before generating a profile code.”

To generate the code, candidates should send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 (e.g., “NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019”).

Once generated, the profile code cannot be changed, as biodata is automatically retrieved from NIMC.

Candidates must then proceed to the nearest JAMB office or any approved CBT centre for registration. E-PINs are to be purchased only from authorised channels such as banks, online platforms or vendors at registration centres.

JAMB emphasised that candidates must provide the correct registration template and ensure all information is accurate before final submission, warning that mismatched data may cause complications.

Important Tips

Candidates were reminded to make any necessary corrections with NIMC early and confirm that updates reflect on their portal before registration — particularly Name, Date of Birth, Gender, and State of Origin.

GSM numbers and email addresses are unique identifiers and cannot be changed or shared. They must also be active before registration.

Candidates who encounter biometric issues should report to the nearest JAMB office. No CBT centre is permitted to register a candidate forcefully.

The Board also advised that a dual screen must be used during registration to ensure proper capture of passport photographs and biometrics.

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Common Challenges

JAMB highlighted several frequent issues with profile code generation, including:

• “Error 550/66019” — indicates an incorrectly formatted request; candidates should use the correct command.
• “Number Already Registered” — means the phone number is linked to another profile; candidates should retrieve the SIM card or use a new one.
• “Unable to Verify NIN” — candidates should wait and retry later.

Registration Dates

The 2026 UTME form will be on sale from Friday, January 31st, 2026 to Saturday, March 8th, 2026.