JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Deadline Confirmed: No Extension as 1 Million Candidates Sign Up

The countdown has begun. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has firmly declared that the 2026 UTME registration will close on February 28, 2026 — with absolutely no extension. With nearly one million candidates already registered, procrastination could cost thousands their chance to sit for this crucial national exam.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially reaffirmed that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will end on 28 February 2026, warning candidates that no deadline extension will be granted under any circumstance.

In its bulletin released on 12 February 2026, the examination body disclosed that approximately one million candidates have already completed or initiated their registration process. The sale of e-PINs will close on 26 February, while the final registration portal shuts down on 28 February 2026.

JAMB has expressed concern over what it describes as a recurring trend — low turnout at accredited registration centres during the early weeks, followed by a surge of last-minute registrations and demands for deadline extensions.

According to the board, this pattern has historically created opportunities for examination malpractice. Unscrupulous tutorial operators and exam cheats often exploit last-minute registration rushes to manipulate the system. To preserve the integrity and credibility of the UTME, JAMB insists that its five-week registration window, which began on 26 January 2026, will remain unchanged.

The board also noted that its operational schedule is synchronized with other national examination bodies such as West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO). Any adjustment to its calendar could disrupt the broader academic timeline nationwide.

The UTME remains Nigeria’s primary gateway into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. In recent years, annual UTME registrations have ranged between 1.6 million to 1.9 million candidates, making it one of the largest standardized examinations in Africa.

With only one million candidates registered so far, a significant number are yet to act. Waiting until the final days could result in:

• Technical glitches due to heavy portal traffic

• Inability to secure preferred exam centres

• Delays in biometric capture

Complete loss of registration opportunity

• JAMB has made it clear: it will not be held responsible for candidates who miss the deadline.

Beyond registration, preparation remains key. JAMB recommends trusted CBT practice platforms such as:

• Myschool JAMB CBT Mobile App (Android)

• Myschool JAMB CBT Software (Windows)

• Myschool CBT Classroom

• Myschool JAMB WhatsApp study groups

These platforms reportedly contain over 60,000 past questions and answers, offering candidates structured preparation ahead of the examination.

Meanwhile, schools, tutorial centres, cybercafés, and business centres are encouraged to become accredited CBT centres. This not only expands exam accessibility but also helps maintain a secure and standardized testing environment.