JAMB Releases Full Guide for 2026 UTME Registration and Dates

Preparing for the UTME is often the first major step into higher education in Nigeria. It’s a mix of excitement, anxiety, and a lot of paperwork. That’s why the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released its official registration guidelines early for the 2026 UTME—to help candidates avoid the common mistakes that slow down their registration or affect their admission process later.

As someone who has helped students navigate this process over the years, I know that the biggest problems usually come from simple details: a wrong date of birth, an inactive phone number, or a mix-up with a National Identification Number (NIN). Once registration begins, correcting these errors becomes stressful. JAMB’s message is clear this year: get your details right before you start.

A Clear Step-by-Step Process

JAMB’s first instruction sounds simple, but it’s the most important: make sure your personal details are accurate before generating your profile code. That means checking your NIN information with NIMC, confirming your email address works, and ensuring your phone number is yours and active.

To get a profile code, candidates will send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 using the correct format. Once the profile code appears, that’s it—it can’t be changed. JAMB automatically pulls your biodata from the NIMC database, so whatever NIMC has on file becomes your official record during registration.

After generating the profile code, candidates can proceed to the nearest JAMB office or any accredited CBT centre to complete the registration. E-PINs should only be bought through approved channels: banks, online payment options, or certified vendors at the registration centres.

From experience, buying E-PINs from unofficial agents is where students get scammed or locked out of their registration. This is a year to stay disciplined.

A Few Personal Observations

Almost every year, I encounter candidates who discover an error only after they’ve printed their registration slip. The mistake usually doesn’t affect them during the exam—but it becomes a major issue during admission screening when universities verify personal information.

Correcting details at NIMC early saves weeks of delayed admissions.

Another thing: don’t rush your registration because a friend has finished. The UTME is not “first come, first served.” What matters is accuracy, not speed.

What to Watch Out For

JAMB highlighted the problems that trouble candidates the most during profile code generation:

• Error messages when the format is wrong
• Phone number already linked to another profile
• NIN verification delays due to network issues

If you see “Unable to Verify NIN,” don’t panic. It usually means the NIMC server needs time. Just retry later.

And if a CBT centre tries to register you despite fingerprint issues, walk away and go directly to a JAMB office. Your biometrics are the foundation of your identity during the exam and admission process.

When Will the 2026 UTME Forms Go On Sale?

JAMB has set a firm registration window:

Friday, January 31st, 2026 — Saturday, March 8th, 2026

Candidates often wait until the last two weeks. That’s the period when systems slow down, centres are full, and correction becomes difficult. Starting early is an advantage.

Search-Intent Answers (Quick Help)

How do I generate a JAMB profile code for 2026?
Send: NIN [your 11-digit NIN] to 55019 or 66019.

Can I change my profile code details later?
No. The biodata is pulled from NIMC once and cannot be changed in JAMB.

Where do I buy my E-PIN?
Approved banks, official online platforms, or registered vendors at CBT centres.

What if my fingerprint doesn’t register?
Go to the nearest JAMB office—don’t force biometric capture at a centre.

Expert Perspective

The tighter integration between NIMC and JAMB shows how Nigeria’s education system is shifting toward a more unified data approach. This is good for transparency, but it also means your NIN information is your identity throughout your academic journey—UTME, Direct Entry, NYSC, and even scholarships. Think of this process as building a clean foundation for your future records.

One Actionable Takeaway

Visit a NIMC centre now and confirm your personal details before January.
It takes less time to fix errors today than to correct them after UTME registration.

If you’re a prospective candidate, take this as more than a guideline—it’s preparation for a smooth journey into your university admission process. Being early, accurate, and informed is the first part of your success. Good luck.