EDUCATION

2026 JAMB UTME Registration: Jamb Releases Full Guidelines, NIN Requirements, and Important Updates for Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued detailed registration guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. The update, shared through the board’s official X handle, provides clarity for prospective candidates and highlights common issues they may face during the registration process.

Registration Procedure

JAMB advised candidates to ensure that all personal information, including their National Identification Number, email address, and A-Level records, is accurate before generating a profile code. To obtain the profile code, candidates must send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 using the format: NIN 00000011111.

Once generated, the profile code cannot be modified, as the biodata is automatically retrieved from the National Identity Management Commission database.

After receiving the profile code, candidates should visit the nearest JAMB office or an accredited CBT centre to begin registration. E-PINs are to be purchased exclusively from approved channels, including banks, authorised online platforms, and verified vendors at registration centres.

Candidates must provide the correct registration template and verify all information before final submission. JAMB noted that inaccurate details could cause complications throughout the application and examination process.

Important Tips for Candidates

The board encouraged candidates to complete all necessary corrections with NIMC ahead of registration and confirm that the updates reflect on their profile, especially for details such as name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin.

JAMB also emphasised that GSM numbers and email addresses used during registration serve as unique identifiers. These details cannot be shared or changed and must be functional before registration begins.

Candidates experiencing biometric issues are advised to visit the nearest JAMB office, as CBT centres are not permitted to forcefully complete biometric enrolment. They must also ensure that dual screens are used during registration and that their passport photograph and biometrics are captured properly.

Common Registration Challenges

JAMB identified several frequent issues encountered by candidates during profile code generation:

Error 550/66019: This occurs when the request is incorrectly formatted. Candidates should follow the correct command when sending their NIN.

Number Already Registered: This suggests that the phone number is linked to an existing profile. Candidates affected by this must retrieve the SIM card or use a different number.

Unable to Verify NIN: Candidates should wait briefly and try again later.