What You Must Know Before You Register
If you’re planning to sit for the 2026 UTME, this is your must read. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has just published the full registration guidelines, aimed at preventing registration errors, fraud, and common mistakes that have troubled past candidates.
NIN & Profile Code: Your First Step
- To begin registration, you must send your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 in the format (NIN: 12345678901) This generates your profile code, which will link your biodata from National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to JAMB’s portal. This code cannot be changed once generated.
- Before doing that, ensure your NIMC data matches exactly with your academic records (full name spelling, date of birth, gender, state of origin). Any mismatch can block your registration.
Use Only Accredited Centres & Genuine e-PINs
- After generating your profile code, you must register at a valid JAMB office or accredited CBT centre. Avoid unapproved cyber-cafés or street vendors.
- Buy your e-PIN only from authorised channels: licensed banks, approved vendors, or official JAMB online partners. Vendors outside these channels may offer “discounts,” but they often lead to invalid registrations.
Fill the Template Carefully, No Mistakes Allowed
- Once at the centre, you will get a registration template. Fill it carefully: name spelling, gender, state of origin, O-level result type, etc. Mistakes can cause big problems during admission.
- Make sure your passport photograph and biometrics are captured correctly. JAMB now recommends using dual-screen verification so you can confirm your image before final submission.
Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
| Error Type | What Goes Wrong | How to Fix / Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| “Unable to verify NIN” or “Record not found” | Your NIN data doesn’t match NIMC or hasn’t propagated | Visit NIMC and update your record before registration |
| “Number already registered” | GSM linked to another profile, sim reuse not allowed | Use a unique personal SIM or retrieve your old one. |
| Biometric/photo mismatch | Wrong data captured; possible invalid registration | Demand dual-screen capture and verify photo before leaving centre. |
| Fake e-PIN or unapproved centre | Registration fails or invalidated | Always use approved channels only. |
2026 UTME Registration Period & Fees
According to JAMB’s timetable:
- Form/e-PIN sale begins January 31, 2026
- Registration closes by March 8, 2026
Fee info as shared by candidate help portals:
- UTME only: ₦7,200
- UTME + Mock: about ₦8,200 (mock is optional)
What You Should Do Right Now
- Log in to NIMC and confirm your biodata matches your school records (name, gender, DOB, state, etc.).
- Register or update your SIM so it reflects your NIN (same name owner).
- Buy your e-PIN only from official channels, bank, JAMB approved vendor or official JAMB portal.
- Choose a trusted accredited CBT centre near you, avoid hearsay or street “bargains.”
- On registration day, verify your photo and biometric capture carefully.
- Keep all receipts and screenshots until your admission is secured.
Why This Matters (For You, The Student)
Every year some students lose admission, not because they failed JAMB, but because of avoidable mistakes during registration. With the 2026 guidelines out early, this is your golden chance to register properly and start your admission journey without avoidable drama.
