February 2026

With the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) drawing closer, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is already setting the tone for what it expects from prospective candidates. This time, the message is clear: preparation should start early, and it starts with generating your profile code.

In a bid to avoid the usual rush, delays, and technical hiccups that often trail UTME registration, JAMB has opened the door for candidates to generate their profile codes well ahead of the registration period. According to the Board, taking this step early will significantly reduce congestion and make the entire process smoother for everyone involved.

However, generating a profile code begins with an important requirement — the National Identification Number (NIN). JAMB has once again stressed that NIN remains compulsory for both UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration. Candidates who are yet to enroll for NIN have been strongly advised to do so immediately. This is because all personal details used during UTME registration are sourced directly from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database. In simple terms, whatever information exists on your NIN record is exactly what JAMB will use.

For this reason, candidates are encouraged to confirm that their names, dates of birth, and other personal details are accurate. Any errors should be corrected promptly at NIMC centres, as changes cannot be made once a JAMB profile code has been generated. JAMB made it clear that profile codes are permanent and cannot be altered since candidates’ biodata is automatically retrieved from NIMC.

Another key point candidates need to pay attention to is the phone number used during profile code generation. JAMB explained that the phone number used to request a profile code becomes permanently tied to the candidate. This number will be used for all official communication — from registration updates to examination details and admission information. Once the request is successful, candidates will receive a ten-character profile code sent directly to that same phone number.

To generate the profile code, candidates are required to send an SMS in a specific format. The message should read NIN, followed by a space, and then the candidate’s eleven-digit NIN number. This SMS must be sent to either 55019 or 66019 using the candidate’s personal GSM line. For example, a candidate with the NIN 12345678901 should send: NIN 12345678901. Once processed successfully, the profile code will be delivered to the phone used to send the message.

JAMB also acknowledged that candidates may encounter a few challenges during this process. Messages such as “Error 550/66019” often mean the SMS was not properly formatted. A “Number Already Registered” response indicates that the phone number has been used before, in which case the candidate may need to retrieve the original SIM card or use a new personal number. For candidates who receive an “Unable to Verify NIN” message, patience is advised — waiting for a while and trying again later usually resolves the issue.

Beyond registration requirements, JAMB is also encouraging candidates to take their preparation seriously. Prospective candidates are advised to download the JAMB CBT Mobile App and other CBT practice software to familiarize themselves with the computer-based test environment. These platforms offer practice questions and provide instant notifications whenever there are important updates from JAMB. Candidates are also encouraged to join the JAMB 2026 WhatsApp group for timely information and guidance.

In a strong advisory, JAMB warned candidates against applying henna — commonly known as laali or lale — on their fingers. According to the Board, henna interferes with biometric verification, and attempts to remove it using chemicals have, in many cases, damaged fingerprint patterns permanently. Such damage can make biometric authentication difficult or even impossible during registration or on examination day.

JAMB concluded by urging candidates to take proper care of all ten fingers throughout the registration and examination process. Biometric verification, the Board emphasized, is non-negotiable. Candidates who fail biometric authentication will not be allowed into the examination hall or given access to UTME questions.

As preparations for the 2026 UTME continue, JAMB’s message remains simple: start early, follow the guidelines carefully, and avoid mistakes that could cost you your chance on examination day.