JAMB issues registration instructions for the 2026 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released updated instructions for students preparing to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, along with a list of common issues candidates should watch out for.

The guidelines, shared on JAMB’s official X page on Sunday, are meant to help applicants get ready ahead of the registration window.

Registration Steps

JAMB advised candidates to confirm that their personal information—such as their National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and A-Level details—is correct before requesting a profile code.

To generate the code, candidates must send their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019 (e.g., NIN 00000011111).
Once created, a profile code cannot be edited, and biodata will be automatically pulled from NIMC.

After getting the code, applicants should visit a JAMB office or an accredited CBT centre to begin the registration process.

E-PINs should be purchased only from approved outlets, such as recognised banks, authorised online platforms, or accredited vendors at the registration centres. Candidates must also ensure they fill out the correct form and verify all information before submitting.

JAMB warned that incorrect details could cause avoidable problems.

Key Reminders

• Candidates should correct any errors with NIMC ahead of time and ensure the updates reflect on the NIMC portal before registering.

• Phone numbers and email addresses serve as unique identifiers and cannot be reused or altered during registration.

• Anyone experiencing fingerprint or biometric issues must go directly to a JAMB office—CBT centres are not allowed to force registration.

• A dual screen must be used during registration, and candidates should confirm that their photographs and biometrics are captured properly.

Common Problems

JAMB also noted typical challenges faced during profile code generation, including:

• “Error 55019/66019” – caused by an incorrect message format; candidates should resend the correct command.

• “Number Already Registered” – means the phone number is tied to another profile; candidates must recover the SIM or use a different number.

• “Unable to Verify NIN” – the board recommends waiting and trying again later.

The sale of forms for the 2026 UTME will begin on Friday, January 31, 2026, and end on Saturday, March 8, 2026.