Advertisements
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released a new set of mandatory procedures and requirements that will govern the registration process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry candidates. The advisory, published through the Board’s official communication channels, provides candidates with step-by-step guidance designed to prevent common registration errors and ensure that all information submitted aligns with national identification records.
The Board’s announcement emphasises accuracy, early preparation, and strict adherence to approved registration channels. It also outlines the technical requirements students must fulfil before visiting any accredited CBT centre for the commencement of their registration.
Ejes Gist News reports that the registration advisory is based on recurring issues from previous examination cycles, including profile code errors, biometric failures, and invalid NIN records. The Board noted that the 2026 UTME/DE process will prioritise data consistency between JAMB and the National Identity Management Commission.
Advertisements
The update contains detailed instructions on profile code creation, NIN validation, e-PIN purchase, centre accreditation, and candidate responsibilities before and during registration. These guidelines are critical for all prospective candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and innovation enterprise institutions.
Understanding the JAMB 2026 Registration Framework
The 2026 registration protocol is centred on three foundational requirements:
Advertisements
- Profile code generation through a valid NIN
- Purchase of an e-PIN from authorised channels
- Biometric-based registration strictly at approved CBT centres
Each of these steps is connected to a candidate’s digital identity within JAMB’s central database. Any errors originating from the candidate’s NIMC profile automatically affect the JAMB data, making early NIN validation a critical prerequisite.
Step 1: Profile Code Generation
The profile code is the primary identifier for each candidate. It links the candidate’s NIN to JAMB’s registration portal and retrieves all biodata stored in the NIMC database.
Key Requirements for Profile Code Creation
Candidates must ensure that the following details are correct and consistent before attempting to generate a profile code:
- National Identification Number
- Legal name sequence
- Date of birth
- Phone number
- Email address
- O’Level or A’Level records, where available
JAMB’s advisory warns that the system retrieves all candidate biodata directly from NIMC without manual adjustments. This means that any error in NIN records automatically appears in JAMB’s system.
How to Generate the JAMB Profile Code
Candidates must send an SMS using the correct format on the SIM card they intend to use throughout the registration cycle:
NIN [space] 11-digit NIN
Send to 55019 or 66019
Example:
NIN 00000011111
The Board clarifies that:
- There must be one space between “NIN” and the number
- Only the candidate’s NIN should be used
- Once generated, the profile code cannot be changed
- All biodata will be pulled directly from NIMC without alteration
Candidates are strongly advised to keep the SIM card safe and functional for future correspondence.
Step 2: E-PIN Purchase and Registration
Once the profile code is obtained, the candidate can proceed to purchase the e-PIN and complete registration.
Where to Purchase the E-PIN
E-PINs must be purchased exclusively through authorised channels, including:
- Major commercial banks
- Mobile money operators with JAMB approval
- Accredited online payment platforms
- Approved CBT centres
The Board cautions candidates against purchasing PINs from unofficial vendors, as this may lead to invalid PINs or scams.
Registration at Accredited CBT Centres
Candidates must visit a JAMB-accredited centre for registration. During registration:
- Candidates must be issued the official JAMB registration template
- Each field must be cross-checked before final submission
- Candidates must confirm their passport photograph and biometric capture on a dual screen
- Any error must be corrected immediately before submission
JAMB confirms that no registration is valid without full biometric capture, and no centre is allowed to bypass this requirement.
Important Advisory for All Candidates
1. NIMC Biodata Corrections
All personal data corrections must be handled through NIMC before the candidate initiates the JAMB registration process.
Corrections may include:
- Name arrangement
- Date of birth
- Gender
- State and Local Government of Origin
JAMB emphasises that its system does not permit manual editing of NIN-sourced biodata. Candidates must resolve discrepancies at NIMC beforehand.
2. Unique Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
Each candidate must use:
- One unique phone number
- One functional email address
These identifiers cannot be shared or reused by multiple candidates. JAMB relies on them for authentication and post-registration communication.
3. Biometric Capture Requirements
Candidates must ensure:
- All ten fingers are captured
- No proxy registration
- No forced biometric capture at any CBT centre
- Immediate reporting to JAMB if biometric capture fails
JAMB warns that any candidate with biometric issues must visit a JAMB state office for resolution and should not be registered until the matter is resolved.
4. Dual Screen Confirmation
Every accredited CBT centre must utilise dual screens to allow candidates to verify:
- Passport photograph
- Personal biodata
- Subject combination
- Institution choices
- Biometric capture
Candidates must ensure these details reflect correctly before signing off on the final submission.
Common Challenges and Approved Solutions
Issue: “Error 550/66019” or Wrong Parameter
This error occurs when the SMS format is incorrect.
Fix: Send the message strictly in the approved format:
NIN 12345678901
to either 55019 or 66019
Issue: “Number Already Registered”
This occurs when the phone number was previously used to generate a profile code.
Fix: Retrieve the SIM card used earlier and continue registration with it.
Issue: “Unable to Verify NIN”
This is typically linked to temporary network downtime between NIMC and JAMB servers.
Fix: Retry after some time.
Issue: “Record Not Found”
This indicates that the NIN is not yet fully updated in NIMC’s database.
Fix: Visit the nearest NIMC office for validation and confirmation.
Important Responsibilities for Candidates
Candidates are expected to:
- Validate all biodata before visiting a CBT centre
- Arrive at registration centres with complete documentation
- Choose correct subject combinations based on their chosen course
- Ensure accurate O’Level and A’Level records are uploaded
- Keep all registration documents safe for future admission processes
JAMB reiterates that errors in subject combinations, personal data, or institution choices may affect a candidate’s admission prospects.
Digital Tools and Preparation Resources
Prospective candidates are encouraged to utilise JAMB-approved CBT training tools, including:
- JAMB CBT practice software
- Mobile CBT practice applications
- Accredited CBT training centres
These resources enable candidates to simulate the examination environment and improve performance ahead of the UTME.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Individuals or organisations interested in becoming part of the JAMB CBT ecosystem may join an approved resellers’ or agent programme. This includes:
- CBT training centres
- Software resellers
- UTME preparatory resource vendors
Every participant must comply with JAMB’s regulatory framework.
Why This Update Matters
The JAMB 2026 registration advisory serves three key purposes:
- Preventing avoidable registration errors
- Ensuring uniformity of candidate identities across national databases
- Enhancing security of candidate profiles
These measures support the integrity of the UTME and reduce the workload associated with post-registration corrections, which often delay admission processes.
Institutional and Stakeholder Expectations
Schools, parents, and exam coordinators must ensure that candidates:
- Possess functional NINs before the registration window opens
- Understand how to generate and retrieve profile codes
- Follow only JAMB-approved channels
- Avoid unofficial agents or fraudulent vendors
- Stay updated through JAMB’s official public communication channels
Accredited CBT centres must also maintain full compliance with the Board’s technical and procedural requirements.
Avoiding Registration Pitfalls
Do Not:
- Share phone numbers with another candidate
- Use expired or inactive SIM cards
- Allow proxy registration
- Ignore NIN errors
- Submit forms without reviewing every field
- Pay additional charges beyond officially listed fees
Always:
- Confirm details during each stage
- Keep SMS and email correspondence safe
- Regularly check JAMB’s official announcements
- Use only approved CBT centres and banks
Technical Considerations for UTME and DE Candidates
For UTME Candidates
They must:
- Provide valid O’Level subjects
- Choose four subjects relevant to their chosen course
- Upload WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB details correctly
- Prepare for the mandatory mock examination, where applicable
For Direct Entry Candidates
They must:
- Hold A’Level qualifications recognised by JAMB
- Upload certificates rather than statements of results where required
- Present evidence of academic records at registration centres
- Confirm institutional accreditation of their previous programmes
The Role of NIMC in the 2026 Registration Cycle
Since JAMB uses NIN as the foundational identifier, NIMC plays a central role in:
- Biodata validation
- Correction of demographic errors
- Synchronisation of identity records with JAMB
- Providing secure gateways for biodata retrieval.
Recommend for you.
- JAMB Result 2026: How to Check Your UTME Scores Online and via SMS
- UTME JAMB Result Checker portal login – Jamb.gov.ng efacility Login
Candidates must resolve all identity issues with NIMC early to avoid delays once registration begins.
