The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released comprehensive guidelines for the registration of candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), alongside a list of common challenges applicants may encounter during the process.
The announcement was made on Sunday via JAMB’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, with the aim of helping prospective candidates prepare adequately for the upcoming registration exercise.
Registration Procedure
JAMB advised candidates to ensure that all personal details—such as National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and A-Level results—are accurate before generating a profile code.
Candidates are required to send their 11-digit NIN via SMS in this format:
NIN 00000011111 to 55019 or 66019.
Once generated, the profile code cannot be changed, as candidates’ biodata is automatically retrieved from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.
After obtaining the profile code, candidates are to proceed to the nearest JAMB office or any approved CBT centre to complete their registration.
JAMB further stressed that E-PINs must be purchased only through authorized channels, including banks, approved online platforms, or vendors at registration centres. Candidates should also confirm that the correct registration template is used and that all details are accurate before final submission.
Important Guidelines
- All necessary corrections (such as name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin) must be made with NIMC early and verified on the NIMC portal before registration.
- GSM numbers and email addresses are unique identifiers and cannot be changed, shared, or reused.
- Candidates experiencing biometric challenges should visit the nearest JAMB office, as CBT centres are not permitted to register candidates forcefully.
- Registration must be conducted using a dual-screen system, and candidates should confirm that their passport photograph and biometrics are correctly captured.
Common Challenges
JAMB also outlined common issues encountered during profile code generation:
- Error 550/66019: Caused by incorrect SMS formatting. Candidates must use the correct command.
- “Number Already Registered”: Indicates the phone number has been used previously; candidates should retrieve the SIM card or use a new number.
- “Unable to Verify NIN”: Candidates are advised to wait and try again later.
Registration Timeline
The 2026 UTME registration form will be on sale from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026.
JAMB urged all candidates to adhere strictly to the guidelines to avoid errors that could jeopardize their registration.
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