The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced the start of registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Officials set the date for January 26. This move prepared candidates for admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Announcement Details
JAMB released a bulletin with key dates. The board stated that registration ran from January 26 to February 28. Candidates from foreign countries also participated during this period. Additionally, the sale of e-PINs began on January 19 and ended on February 26.
Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede signed the release. He said, “Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria for the 2026/27 academic session.”
Eligibility Requirements
JAMB outlined strict eligibility rules. Candidates needed to reach 16 years old by September 30, 2026. The board explained, “Only candidates who will not be less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 are generally eligible to apply/be considered.”
However underage candidates faced extra checks. JAMB required them to score at least 80 percent in assessments. Officials added, “Candidates less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 will have to undergo an intensive evaluation to determine their eligibility for a waiver.”
Registration Process
Candidates created profiles first. They sent their National Identification Number via SMS to 55019 or 66019. This step generated a profile code. Next they purchased e-PINs from banks or other outlets.
JAMB directed applicants to visit accredited CBT centres. There, staff captured biometrics and photographs. The board warned, “The use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) by a single candidate for the purpose of double registration, impersonation, or any form of identity manipulation is strictly prohibited and will be severely sanctioned.”
Fees and Categories
The board set specific fees. UTME without mock cost N7,200. With mock, it rose to N8,700. Direct Entry applicants paid N5,700. These amounts included application fees and service charges.
Furthermore, JAMB maintained a cashless system. This prevented exploitation. Officials noted, “The Board will maintain its cashless registration system for the 2026 UTME/DE registration in order to prevent the exploitation of candidates.”
Examination Dates
JAMB scheduled the mock UTME for March 28. The main examination occurred from April 16 to April 25. Candidates selected towns during registration. The board emphasized, “Jamb does not post any candidate to any examination town (or group of towns) other than the one chosen by the candidate at the point of registration.”
Direct Entry Procedures
For Direct Entry, registration started on March 2. It ended on April 25 at JAMB offices. Applicants uploaded certificates and verified qualifications. JAMB allowed upgrades from UTME to DE under certain conditions.
Support and Warnings
The board provided support through tickets on its website. It prohibited group registrations and multiple applications. Officials stated, “Candidates are not permitted to register more than once. In the event of any error during the registration process, such candidates are to seek correction from the Board and not to obtain a fresh application.”
Moreover JAMB screened 924 CBT centres. It monitored them live to ensure integrity. The board declared, “Examination malpractice is a criminal offence that attracts, in addition to the cancellation of results, publication of names and prosecution of such offenders.”
ConclusionThis announcement guided millions of candidates. JAMB aimed for a smooth process. Foreign candidates registered at specific centres abroad.
