By DAYO ADESULU
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the sale of 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms will officially commence nationwide on Monday, January 26, 2026, assuring candidates of a seamless and well-coordinated registration process.
The Board disclosed that comprehensive mechanisms have already been put in place to guarantee efficient service delivery across all accredited registration outlets, including JAMB-approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, Professional Registration Centres, and JAMB offices nationwide.
JAMB Assures Seamless Registration Nationwide
Speaking during a strategic meeting with key stakeholders, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, reiterated the Board’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the UTME registration process.
He urged prospective candidates to ensure that they register only at approved centres, warning against patronising unaccredited operators who could compromise their data and chances of admission.
According to the Registrar, the Board has strengthened its monitoring systems to ensure candidates receive value for money and accurate services throughout the registration window.
NIMC Data Mandatory for Registration
Prof. Oloyede stressed that all candidates with biodata discrepancies—such as issues related to names, date of birth, or other personal records—must resolve such matters with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before initiating UTME registration.
He made it clear that JAMB would rely strictly on NIMC-generated data and would not entertain corrections outside that framework.
“The Board will not correct or use any data other than what is generated from NIMC,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of accurate records in safeguarding candidates’ academic futures.
Registration Timeline for UTME and Direct Entry
Providing details on the registration timeline, the Registrar announced that UTME registration for candidates within Nigeria and those in foreign countries will run from Monday, January 26, 2026, to Saturday, February 28, 2026.
He further explained that the vending of electronic Personal Identification Numbers (e-PINs) for UTME began on Monday, January 19, 2026, and will close on Thursday, February 26, 2026, while actual registration ends on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
For Direct Entry (DE) candidates, Prof. Oloyede disclosed that the sale of 2026 DE application documents and e-PIN vending will commence on Monday, March 2, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
He added that DE registration will be conducted exclusively at JAMB Zonal and State Offices nationwide.
Breakdown of UTME and DE Charges
The Registrar announced that three categories of e-PINs will be available for the 2026 exercise:
Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
UTME Only (Without Mock): ₦7,200
UTME With Mock: ₦8,700
He provided a detailed breakdown of the charges as follows:
JAMB Application Fee: ₦3,500
Reading Text: ₦1,000
CBT Centre Registration Service Charge: ₦700
CBT Centre UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
Bank Charges: ₦500
Mock-UTME CBT Centre Charge: ₦1,500
UTME and Mock Examination Dates
On examination schedules, Prof. Oloyede announced that the 2026 UTME will be conducted from Thursday, April 16, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
He added that the Mock-UTME, which is optional, will hold on Saturday, March 28, 2026, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the CBT environment ahead of the main examination.
JAMB Issues Stern Warning to CBT Centres
Beyond registration logistics, the Registrar issued a strong warning to CBT centres against engaging in fraudulent practices, including extortion of candidates, unauthorised charges, and vending above approved prices.
He cautioned that any centre found culpable would face withdrawal of licence and possible prosecution, stressing that the Board would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public trust.
Prof. Oloyede also warned CBT operators against engaging ad-hoc staff of questionable character, noting that centre owners would be held fully responsible for any infractions committed by their personnel.
“Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse,” he said firmly.
Protecting Candidates and the Integrity of UTME
JAMB reaffirmed that its strict regulatory stance is aimed at protecting candidates from exploitation while preserving the credibility of the UTME as a national assessment platform.
The Board urged all stakeholders—candidates, parents, CBT centres, and vendors—to comply fully with laid-down guidelines to ensure a smooth and transparent 2026 UTME exercise.
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