The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has commenced registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, outlining key timelines, fees, and guidelines for prospective candidates.
The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, announced the commencement on Monday while addressing stakeholders, assuring candidates of a smooth registration process backed by improved service delivery measures.
“We have put adequate systems in place to ensure that the registration exercise is seamless and hitch-free for candidates across the country,” Oloyede said.
According to him, UTME registration for both local and foreign candidates will run from Monday, January 26, to Saturday, February 28, 2026.
The sale of e-PINs began earlier on January 19 and will close on February 26, 2026, while registration officially ends two days later.
For candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE), Oloyede disclosed that the sale of application documents and e-PINs will begin on March 2 and end on April 25, 2026.
“Direct Entry registration will strictly take place at JAMB state and zonal offices,” he noted.
The JAMB Registrar explained that three categories of e-PINs have been approved for the 2026 exercise.
“The cost is ₦5,700 for Direct Entry, ₦7,200 for UTME without mock, and ₦8,700 for UTME with mock,” Oloyede stated.
He clarified that the fees cover the application form, reading text, CBT registration charges, UTME service fees, bank charges, and the optional mock examination fee.
Oloyede announced that the 2026 UTME will be conducted from April 16 to April 25, 2026, while the optional mock examination is scheduled for March 28, 2026.
Candidates with discrepancies in their personal data, including names and dates of birth, were advised to resolve such issues with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before registering.
“JAMB will only rely on data provided by NIMC. Corrections outside that platform will not be entertained,” the Registrar warned.
He also urged candidates to register only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres, professional registration centres, and JAMB offices nationwide.
Oloyede cautioned CBT centre operators against extortion, overcharging, and other fraudulent practices.
“Any centre found engaging in sharp practices will have its licence withdrawn and may face prosecution,” he said.
He further warned proprietors to conduct proper background checks on their staff, stressing that operators would be held responsible for the actions of their employees.
