The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced the sale of e-PINs for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking the beginning of the admission process for thousands of candidates seeking entry into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions.
For many candidates, mistakes made during this stage often lead to serious admission problems later — from wrong subject combinations to profile issues and registration errors. This guide explains, in practical terms, exactly how the process works and how to complete your registration without errors.
Understanding the First and Most Important Step: Generating Your JAMB Profile Code
Before you can buy an e-PIN or visit a CBT centre, you must first create your JAMB Profile Code. Without this code, you cannot proceed with any registration.
Using only the phone number you intend to use throughout your JAMB process, send an SMS in the format below:
NIN 12345678901
Send the message to 55019 or 66019.
Replace the sample digits with your real National Identification Number (NIN).
Within minutes, JAMB will send you a 10-digit Profile Code to that same phone number. This number becomes your official JAMB identity for the entire admission cycle.
It is critical to understand that this phone number is permanently tied to your JAMB profile. Losing this SIM card can make it very difficult to access or recover your profile later.
Buying the JAMB e-PIN After Receiving Your Profile Code
Once you have your Profile Code, you can now purchase the JAMB registration e-PIN.
You can buy the e-PIN from any of the following approved outlets:
- Commercial banks
- NIPOST offices
- Microfinance banks
- Mobile money operators
- Approved online payment platforms
At the point of payment, you will be asked to provide:
- Your phone number
- Your JAMB Profile Code
After successful payment, the e-PIN will be sent to your phone via SMS. You do not need to collect anything physically.
Visiting an Accredited CBT Centre for Proper Registration
This is where many candidates make costly mistakes.
You cannot complete JAMB registration at a cyber café or by yourself online. The registration must be done only at an accredited JAMB CBT centre.
When going to the CBT centre, go along with:
- The phone containing the SIM used for profile creation
- Your Profile Code
- Your e-PIN
At the centre, officials will:
- Capture your fingerprints (biometrics)
- Take and upload your passport photograph
- Enter your personal details correctly
- Select your institution and course choices
- Choose your subject combination
- Print your registration slip
This is the official and only recognized method of registration.
Choosing the Correct Subject Combination and Course
One of the most common reasons students lose admission is wrong subject combination.
Before going to the CBT centre, ensure you have confirmed:
- The correct JAMB subjects required for your intended course
- The correct O’Level requirements for that course
Do not rely on guesswork or what friends are choosing.
Collecting and Verifying Your Registration Printout
Before leaving the CBT centre, you must collect:
- Your JAMB Registration Slip
- Payment Receipt
Carefully verify that:
- Your name is correctly spelled
- Your course choice is accurate
- Your subject combination is correct
- Your personal details are accurate
If there is any mistake, insist that it is corrected immediately before you leave.
Common Mistakes Candidates Must Avoid
Many candidates unknowingly create problems for themselves during registration. These are the most frequent errors:
Using someone else’s phone number for profile creation ties your JAMB profile to a number you do not control.
Attempting to register at a cyber café often leads to data entry mistakes and fraud.
Selecting the wrong subject combination can make you ineligible for admission even with a high score.
Waiting until the registration deadline leads to overcrowded CBT centres and rushed, error-filled registrations.
Losing the SIM card used for profile creation makes profile recovery very difficult.
Important Documents and Information to Go With
To make your CBT centre visit smooth, go with:
- Your NIN slip
- Your O’Level result (if available)
- A list of your preferred schools and courses
- Confirmed subject combination for your course
A Smart Tip Most Candidates Don’t Know
Before going to the CBT centre, take time to confirm your exact subject combination and O’Level requirements for your intended course. Doing this ahead prevents confusion and mistakes at the registration point.
Final Note to Candidates
JAMB registration is not just about buying an e-PIN and filling a form. It is the foundation of your admission process. A small mistake here can affect you months later during admission screening.
Follow the process carefully, use your personal phone number, register only at accredited CBT centres, and verify every detail before leaving the centre.
Doing it right once saves you from serious problems later.
