Over 1.5 Million Candidates Register for 2026 UTME Amid Growing Demand for Tertiary Education in Nigeria

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that pin vending for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The announcement was made by the board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja.

According to the board, over 1.5 million candidates have already registered as of Tuesday, February 17. This year’s UTME is scheduled to take place from April 16 to 25, 2026 across accredited centres nationwide.

The board clarified that the sale of e-PINs, required to begin registration at accredited centres, will end at midnight on Thursday, February 26, 2026, while actual registration for candidates who already obtained e-PINs will close on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Dr. Benjamin emphasized that the board operates a daily registration capacity of 100,000 candidates, yet current registration centres are operating at only 30% of this capacity. “A significant number of prospective candidates are yet to take advantage of the registration window,” he said.

JAMB reiterated that there will be no extension of the registration deadline. The board explained that its schedule aligns with the national examination calendar coordinated among all exam bodies in Nigeria, leaving no room for adjustments.

Candidates are urged to secure their e-PINs promptly and complete registration at accredited centres without delay to avoid complications. The board stressed that last-minute registration could lead to avoidable challenges, and no appeals for extension will be entertained.

“This proactive step ensures that no candidate who genuinely wants to sit for the 2026 UTME is excluded due to delay or complacency,” the board stated.

The 2026 UTME is expected to be a highly competitive session, reflecting the growing demand for tertiary education in Nigeria. With the federal government prioritizing skills acquisition and quality education, timely registration and preparation are crucial for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.