The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued fresh guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration, outlining key guidelines and common challenges candidates may face.
The advisory, shared on Sunday through JAMB’s official X handle, is intended to help prospective applicants prepare ahead of the registration window.
According to the board, “Candidates should ensure their personal details, including National Identification Number (NIN), email, and A-Level results, are accurate before generating a profile code.”
Applicants are to send their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019 using the format provided: NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019.
Once the profile code is issued, it cannot be modified, as biodata will be automatically pulled from the National Identity Management Commission database. Candidates must then visit a JAMB office or any accredited CBT centre to complete their registration.
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The board further advised that E-PINs be purchased strictly from authorised banks, online vendors, or service providers at approved centres. Candidates must also review all details on the registration template before final submission.
JAMB stressed the need for accurate information, cautioning that inconsistencies may delay processing or affect a candidate’s eligibility.
The board also highlighted several important tips, including the need for candidates to correct any errors with NIMC—such as name, date of birth, gender, or state of origin—before beginning the UTME registration. Functional and unique phone numbers and emails are also compulsory.
Candidates experiencing biometric difficulties are instructed to visit the nearest JAMB office, as no CBT centre is permitted to force biometric registration.
The board listed frequent error messages during profile code generation, noting that:
- “Error 550/66019: Indicates an incorrectly formatted request; candidates should use the correct command (e.g., NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019).”
- “Number Already Registered: Suggests the phone number is linked to another profile; candidates should retrieve the SIM card or use a new number.”
- “Unable to Verify NIN: Candidates are advised to wait and retry later.”
JAMB confirmed that the sale of forms for the 2026 UTME will begin on Friday, January 31, 2026, and close on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
