JAMB Releases Step-By-Step Instructions for 2026 UTME Registration

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued a comprehensive guide for candidates preparing to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

This comes as the board highlights the mandatory steps, crucial warnings, and frequent problems associated with generating profile codes.

The announcement was shared on the Board’s official X handle on Sunday.

In the update, JAMB stressed that applicants must verify all personal details—especially those synced with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)—before the registration process begins.

Profile Code Generation
“Ensure your details on NIMC and others, i.e., O’Level/A-Level results, are the same. Send: NIN (leave one space) your 11-digit NIN number to 55019 or 66019. For example, NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019,” it stated.

JAMB added that once a profile code is created, it cannot be edited because the candidate’s biodata is automatically drawn from NIMC’s records.

Here is the step-by-step registration procedure.
The Board outlined the following steps:

1. Visit an approved centre:
   Candidates must go to the nearest JAMB office or an accredited CBT centre to start the registration process.
2. E-PIN vending:
   Applicants should buy e-PINs only from approved outlets, including banks, authorised vendors, and recognised online platforms.
3. Use the correct template:
   JAMB emphasised: “Ensure that you are given the correct registration template to fill out.”
4. Final submission:
   All candidates must thoroughly verify every detail before completing their registration at the centre.

Important Tips for Candidates
JAMB also issued additional precautions:

1. Candidates should correct any NIMC-related issues early (name, date of birth, gender, state of origin) and confirm updates on the NIMC portal.
2. GSM numbers and email addresses used for registration are unique identifiers—they must be active, accurate, and not shared.
3. Candidates with biometric issues must report to the nearest JAMB office.
4. A dual-screen setup must be used during registration so candidates can confirm their photographs and biometric data instantly.

Common Challenges in Profile Code Generation, Solution
JAMB addressed the typical errors students encounter:

1. “Record Not Found”
   Solution: Visit the nearest NIMC office for validation.
2. “Wrong Parameter”
   This indicates an incorrect message format.
   Solution: Resend using the correct format: NIN 00000011111.
3. “Your NIN has already been registered with GSM number…”
   This shows an earlier attempt to generate a profile code.
   Solution: Retrieve the original SIM card used and resend the request.
4. “Unable to verify your NIN at the moment [NIMC: UNKNOWN]”
   Solution: Wait and retry later.

The 2026 JAMB UTME form will be available for purchase from January to March 2026.

Published by: Afeez Ayinde Saheed