The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially begun registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking the start of the journey for thousands of students hoping to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
According to the Board, the registration process, which opened on Monday, January 12, 2026, is now live across all accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. Prospective candidates are expected to complete their registration before the cut-off date, which has also been announced by JAMB.
The Registrar of JAMB urged all eligible candidates to register early and avoid last-minute rush. He reminded students that UTME registration is an important first step toward tertiary education in Nigeria, and that they should ensure their details are properly submitted to avoid issues later in the admission process.
To register, candidates must visit any accredited JAMB CBT centre with their National Identification Number (NIN), valid personal details, and payment for the registration fee. At the centre, candidates will provide their biometric data, choose their preferred examination date, and confirm their subjects before finalising the process.
Students are also advised to carefully select their preferred institutions and courses during registration, as this information will be used later during the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) for placement.
JAMB warns candidates to work only with accredited centres and to be cautious of fraudsters who may offer fake registration services. The Board often reminds candidates that registration must be completed at approved CBT centres and that all personal data must be handled securely.
By setting the registration window early, JAMB hopes to give students adequate time to prepare for the examination, trouble-shoot any issues that may arise, and focus on revision.
The UTME itself has been scheduled to hold from Thursday, April 16, 2026 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, giving candidates a clear timetable for their preparation.
With registration now open, schools, parents and students are gearing up for another admission cycle that will determine access into higher education institutions across Nigeria.
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