Breaking: JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Requirements — What Every Candidate Must Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued official instructions for candidates preparing to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an announcement posted on its verified X handle on Sunday, the Board also outlined common issues candidates may face during the registration cycle, noting that the guidelines are intended to make the process seamless.

JAMB advised candidates to ensure that their personal information — including National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and A-Level results — is accurate before generating their profile code.

Candidates are required to send their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019 using the format: NIN 00000011111. Once the profile code is created, it cannot be edited, as all biodata will be automatically pulled from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The Board instructed that registration must be completed at a JAMB office or any accredited CBT centre, and E-PINs should only be purchased through authorised banks, online channels, or registered vendors within the centres.

JAMB emphasized that all information on the registration template must be carefully reviewed before submission, warning that errors or conflicting biodata may result in future complications.

Candidates have also been urged to resolve any discrepancies with NIMC in advance — such as name, date of birth, gender, or state of origin — and verify that updates reflect on the portal before registration.

Additionally, JAMB reminded applicants that their mobile number and email address serve as unique identifiers and must be active, personal, and not shared with anyone.

Where biometric verification issues occur, affected candidates must report directly to a JAMB office, as CBT centres are not permitted to force registration.

The Board further listed frequent errors that may arise during profile code generation, including:

• “Error 550/66019” — caused by incorrect message format; candidates must follow the proper format.

• “Number Already Registered” — indicates the phone number is linked to an existing profile.

• “Unable to Verify NIN” — candidates should wait and try again later.

JAMB confirmed that the sale of the 2026 UTME application documents will commence Friday, January 31, 2026, and will close Saturday, March 8, 2026.