The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued a fresh set of guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration, along with a list of common problems candidates should watch out for.
The update, shared on JAMB’s official X handle on Sunday, is meant to help applicants prepare ahead of the registration window.
According to the board, candidates must ensure that their personal details — including their National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and A-Level results — are correct before generating a profile code. To do this, applicants should send their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019 (for example, NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019). Once the profile code is created, it cannot be changed, as all biodata will be pulled directly from NIMC.
After generating the code, candidates are expected to visit the nearest JAMB office or any accredited CBT centre to begin their registration. JAMB also stressed that E-PINs should be purchased only from authorised channels, such as banks, approved online platforms, or accredited vendors at registration centres.
The board urged candidates to double-check their registration template and ensure every detail is correct before final submission. It warned that inconsistent or inaccurate information could cause delays or registration issues. Any corrections relating to personal details — such as name, date of birth, gender, or state of origin — must be handled early with NIMC and confirmed on the candidate’s portal before starting registration.
JAMB also reminded candidates that GSM numbers and email addresses serve as unique identifiers. They cannot be changed or shared, and must be active before registration begins.
For biometric challenges, candidates should report only to a JAMB office, as no CBT centre is permitted to force registration. They must also ensure the dual-screen system is used so they can confirm that their passport photograph and biometrics are correctly captured.
The board highlighted several issues that frequently occur during profile code generation, including:
- Error 55019/66019: Usually caused by an incorrect text format; candidates must follow the correct command (e.g., NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019).
- Number Already Registered: This means the phone number is linked to another profile. Candidates should retrieve the SIM or use a different number.
- Unable to Verify NIN: Applicants may need to wait briefly and try again.
The sale of the 2026 UTME form will run from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026.
