The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reminded prospective candidates that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close on February 26, 2026.

The board urged candidates yet to complete their registration to do so immediately, stressing that the deadline would not be extended under any circumstances.

This advisory was contained in JAMB’s weekly bulletin released on Monday, in which the board expressed concern over the low turnout of candidates at several accredited registration centres.

JAMB warned that the familiar practice of delaying registration until the final days and subsequently calling for an extension would not be tolerated during the 2026 exercise.

According to the board, some examination cheats and individuals posing as tutorial centre operators deliberately mislead candidates to delay registration in order to force an extension, a move it said often enables coordinated examination malpractice.

“This recurring pattern, where candidates deliberately delay registration and later agitate for an extension, will not be entertained in 2026,” the board stated.

JAMB noted that registration for the 2026 UTME began on January 26 and was scheduled to run for five weeks, adding that the timeline remained unchanged.

The board disclosed that about one million candidates had so far indicated interest in the examination, with many already having procured their ePINs and expected to complete registration promptly.

It added that extending the registration period was impracticable, as its operational calendar is aligned with those of other examination bodies.

JAMB advised candidates to register early, avoid last-minute rush, and disregard any claims that the deadline would be extended, warning that it would not be responsible for those who fail to act within the stipulated time.