JAMB Releases Registration Rules, Warnings for 2026 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released detailed guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration process, alongside a list of common challenges candidates should prepare to navigate.

Dependable NG reports that the Board made the announcement via its official X handle on Sunday, stating that the development aims to proactively assist prospective candidates in preparing for the upcoming registration exercise.

JAMB emphasized the critical first step involving the National Identification Number (NIN). Candidates must ensure their personal details, including NIN, email, and A-Level results, are accurate before generating a profile code. They are required to send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 (e.g., NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019). The Board warned that once a profile code is generated, it cannot be changed, as biodata is automatically retrieved from NIMC.

Candidates should then proceed to the nearest JAMB office or any approved CBT Centre to begin registration. E-PINs must be purchased only from authorized channels, such as banks, online platforms, or vendors at the registration centres. The Board stressed that candidates must ensure the correct registration template is provided and all details are accurate before final submission at the centre.

The Board stressed the importance of accurate data, warning that mismatched information could lead to serious complications. Candidates are strongly urged to make all necessary corrections with NIMC early and confirm that the changes have been reflected on their portal before registration (e.g., Name, Date of Birth, Gender, State of Origin). Furthermore, GSM numbers and email addresses are unique identifiers; they cannot be changed or shared and must be functional before registration.

Finally, JAMB addressed technical issues, stating that candidates who encounter biometric issues during registration should visit the nearest JAMB office, and that no CBT centre should register a candidate forcefully. Candidates must ensure a dual screen is used during registration and confirm that their passport photograph and biometrics are captured correctly before leaving the centre.