The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the registration deadline for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will not be extended, urging candidates to complete their registration by February 26 to avoid missing the exam.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the board confirmed that the sale of e-PINs, required for registration, will close at midnight on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Candidates who have already purchased their e-PINs are expected to complete registration at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by Saturday, February 28, 2026.
As of February 17, over 1.5 million candidates had successfully registered nationwide. Despite this figure, JAMB expressed concern that many eligible applicants had yet to register, with centres reportedly operating at only about 30 per cent of daily capacity. The board noted that it can register approximately 100,000 candidates daily, far exceeding the current turnout.
“The Board wishes to clearly state that there will be no extension of the registration deadline,” the statement emphasised. JAMB explained that the timetable is part of a nationally coordinated calendar agreed upon by all examination agencies, designed to ensure a smooth transition to subsequent public exams.
“Consequently, there is no available window for any extension, even if the Board were inclined to consider one,” it added.
JAMB warned that candidates who delay registration until the final days may face avoidable challenges and that appeals for late registration will not be entertained. The board described the notice as a proactive measure to prevent serious candidates from missing the process due to procrastination.
With only days remaining before the e-PIN vending deadline, prospective candidates are urged to obtain their PINs and complete registration at accredited centres immediately.
“All prospective candidates are urged to act now,” the board concluded.
The 2026 UTME is expected to attract millions of applicants seeking admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria, making strict adherence to the registration timeline crucial for aspirants nationwide.