The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued comprehensive guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, outlining the registration steps and the challenges candidates often face. The update, posted on JAMB’s official X account on Sunday, is intended to help prospective applicants prepare ahead of the registration window.
Registration Procedure
JAMB advises candidates to confirm that all personal details — including their National Identification Number (NIN), email address and any A-Level results — are correct before generating a profile code. To obtain the code, candidates must text their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019. Once generated, the profile code cannot be altered, as the system pulls biodata directly from the National Identity Management Commission.
After receiving the profile code, candidates should visit a JAMB office or an accredited CBT centre to complete their registration. E-PINs must be purchased through authorised channels, such as approved banks, verified online platforms or accredited vendors at registration centres. Candidates are expected to use the correct registration template and review all information carefully before final submission.
JAMB stressed that inaccurate or inconsistent personal data may cause delays or complications later in the admission process.
Important Tips
Applicants are encouraged to resolve any issues with their NIMC details — including name, date of birth, gender or state of origin — well before registration begins, and to ensure those updates reflect on their portal. Mobile numbers and email addresses act as unique identifiers and must be valid, active and used by only one candidate.
Anyone experiencing biometric problems during registration should report to the nearest JAMB office, as CBT centres are not permitted to bypass or force biometric capture. Candidates are also advised to confirm that their photograph and biometric data are correctly captured on the dual screen used during registration.
Common Challenges
JAMB also listed recurring issues with profile code generation.
– Error 550/66019: This occurs when the request is incorrectly formatted; candidates should resend the message using the proper command.
– “Number Already Registered”: This means the phone number is linked to an existing profile. Candidates are advised to retrieve the SIM or use a different number.
– “Unable to Verify NIN”: In this case, JAMB recommends waiting and trying again later.
ICYMI
The 2026 UTME registration form will be available from Friday, January 31, 2026, through Saturday, March 8, 2026
