The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released an official notice detailing the procedures and essential guidelines for candidates intending to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Board outlined the step-by-step process candidates must follow to ensure a smooth and error-free registration exercise.

Step 1: Profile Code Generation

Prospective candidates are required to first confirm that their personal information—National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and O’Level/A’Level results—is accurate and consistent across all relevant platforms.

How to generate a profile code:
Candidates should send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 in the following format:
NIN 00000011111 (note the space between “NIN” and the number).

Important Note: Once generated, the profile code is permanent and cannot be changed. Candidates’ biodata will be automatically retrieved from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

Step 2: E-PIN Purchase and Registration

After successfully generating a profile code, candidates are to proceed to the nearest JAMB office or any accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre to begin the registration process.

E-PIN purchase:
E-PINs must be obtained strictly through authorised channels, including banks, approved online platforms, and accredited vendors at registration centres.

Registration process:
Candidates should ensure they are issued the correct registration template and carefully verify all entries before final submission to avoid costly errors.

Important Guidelines for Candidates

• NIMC Corrections: Any corrections to personal details such as name, date of birth, gender, or state of origin must be effected at NIMC well in advance and reflected on the NIMC portal before initiating JAMB registration.

• Unique Contact Details: Phone numbers and email addresses are unique identifiers for each candidate. They must not be shared, changed, or rendered inactive throughout the registration period.

• Biometric Challenges: In cases of biometric capture failure, candidates are advised to visit a JAMB office immediately. CBT centres should not force-register candidates under such circumstances.

• Dual-Screen Registration: Candidates should insist on the use of a dual-screen system during registration to confirm, in real time, that their passport photograph and biometric details are correctly captured.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• “Error 550/66019” or “Wrong Parameter”: This indicates an incorrect SMS format. Candidates should resend their NIN using the correct format: NIN [space] YourNIN to 55019 or 66019.

• “Number Already Registered”: This means the phone number has previously been used to generate a profile code. Candidates must retrieve and use the same SIM card to receive the code.

• “Unable to Verify NIN”: Often caused by temporary network or server issues. Candidates are advised to wait and try again later.

• “Record Not Found”: This suggests that the NIN is not available in the NIMC database. Candidates should visit the nearest NIMC office for validation.

With this development, registration for the 2026 UTME is expected to commence soon. Prospective candidates are therefore encouraged to begin early preparation using the JAMB CBT software and JAMB CBT mobile app. Interested individuals who wish to establish JAMB CBT training centres or become resellers of the JAMB CBT training software are also advised to explore the JAMB CBT Agent/Reseller programme.