The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced registration for candidates seeking admission through the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), including applicants from foreign countries.

Registration is strictly limited to accredited and approved JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) registration centres nationwide and abroad. Candidates are required to first purchase the JAMB ePIN before proceeding to any CBT centre for registration.

Applicants who already possess their ePIN are advised to download and accurately complete the JAMB Registration Template before visiting a CBT centre. The 2026 UTME registration exercise will close on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

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JAMB Unveils Official Novel For 2026 UTME

JAMB has announced The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba as the official novel for the 2026 UTME.

Every UTME candidate is entitled to a free copy of the novel upon completing registration at an accredited CBT centre. Candidates are advised to request the novel if it is not issued automatically.

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Compulsory Disclosure Of Previous Admission Status

In a major policy update, JAMB has made it mandatory for all candidates to declare any previous admission (matriculation) history during registration.

Candidates must indicate their earlier UTME or Direct Entry (DE) registration details and the relevant year. Any false declaration or failure to disclose previous registration or matriculation will automatically invalidate the candidate’s current registration and/or earlier admission.

JAMB clarified that candidates who were previously admitted and now wish to change institutions or programmes are permitted to do so. However, failure to declare such prior admission constitutes an offence.

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Guidelines For Completing Registration Successfully

JAMB advised candidates to ensure their JAMB Registration Template is filled completely and correctly to avoid complications at CBT centres.

Before selecting a course of study and subject combination, candidates must carefully consult the official JAMB brochure.

At the CBT centre, candidates are required to verify that all information from their registration template has been correctly entered into the registration portal before printing their Registration Confirmation Slip.

Printing of the confirmation slip can only be done through biometric authentication. Candidates must confirm their fingerprint to validate the registration for UTME or Direct Entry. JAMB noted that biometric authentication removes liability for errors from CBT centres, making it essential for candidates to carefully check all details before confirming with their fingerprint.

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Bottom Line

Candidates are strongly advised to follow all instructions strictly, declare previous admissions honestly, confirm their data thoroughly, and complete registration only at accredited CBT centres to avoid invalidation or future complications.