The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with the exercise scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 26, 2026, across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who outlined key dates, requirements, and procedures prospective candidates must follow to participate in the examination, which serves as the primary gateway into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions.
According to the board, the registration process will run for several weeks, providing candidates ample time to complete all necessary steps before the deadline. JAMB urged intending applicants to adhere strictly to the approved timeline to avoid disqualification.
Registration Timeline and Key Dates
JAMB confirmed that UTME registration will officially open on January 26, 2026, and close on February 28, 2026. Prior to this, the sale of application documents, known as ePINs, began earlier to allow candidates prepare adequately before visiting accredited registration centres.
The board also disclosed that candidates interested in sitting for the optional mock examination must indicate this during registration, as there is a fixed deadline for mock exam selection.
Direct Entry registration, which caters to candidates seeking admission through diplomas, NCEs, or equivalent qualifications, is scheduled to commence after the UTME registration window closes.
Mandatory Requirements for Candidates
JAMB reiterated that possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) remains compulsory for all candidates. The NIN is required to generate a unique profile code, which is a prerequisite for purchasing the UTME application ePIN.
Candidates are also expected to provide a functional email address and phone number, as these will be used for official communication throughout the admission process.
Registration can only be completed at JAMB-accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. The board warned against patronising cyber cafés or unapproved centres, noting that registrations carried out outside accredited centres would be invalid.
Monitoring of CBT Centres
Professor Oloyede stated that JAMB would intensify monitoring of CBT centres during the registration exercise to ensure compliance with established standards. Any centre found engaging in sharp practices, extortion, or data manipulation risks suspension and cancellation of all registrations processed at such facilities.
Candidates were advised to confirm their details carefully before submission, as corrections after registration attract penalties and may not be guaranteed.
Age Requirement and Special Consideration
JAMB maintained its policy on age eligibility, stating that candidates are generally expected to be at least 16 years old by the year of admission. However, underage candidates with exceptional academic abilities may be considered through a special evaluation process before their results are released.
Advice to Candidates
The examination body advised candidates to register early to avoid last-minute rush, technical issues, or being posted to examination centres far from their preferred locations. Parents and guardians were also cautioned against undue interference during the registration process.
As the registration window opens, millions of candidates across the country are expected to begin preparations for the 2026 UTME, which remains a critical requirement for securing admission into Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
JAMB assured the public of its commitment to a transparent, credible, and hitch-free registration and examination process, urging all stakeholders to cooperate with the board’s guidelines.
