The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the commencement of registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Board made the announcement on its X handle on Tuesday night. A statement signed by JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed that the UTME is open to qualified candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Registration for UTME candidates, including those from foreign countries, begins on Monday, 26th January 2026, and closes on Saturday, 28th February 2026. The UTME examination is scheduled to hold from Thursday, 16th April to Saturday, 25th April 2026. JAMB also plans an optional Mock-UTME on Saturday, 28th March 2026.
Candidates are required to obtain their National Identification Number (NIN) before registering. Generally, applicants must be at least 16 years old by 30th September 2026. Candidates below this age must undergo an intensive evaluation, including a minimum score of 80% in UTME, A-Level, PUTME, SSCE, and the exceptional candidate assessment, before their results are released.
For Direct Entry candidates, JAMB disclosed that registration and E-PIN sales will run from Monday, 2nd March 2026, to Saturday, 25th April 2026. Registration for DE candidates is only available at the Board’s State and Zonal offices.
JAMB emphasized that the 2026 UTME remains a crucial gateway for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The Board urged prospective candidates to complete all requirements, including obtaining a NIN, to ensure smooth registration.
Candidates are advised to adhere strictly to the registration timelines to avoid last-minute complications, noting that the Board will not entertain late submissions.
The Board’s announcement aims to streamline admissions and maintain transparency in the selection process for tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
With the registration period now open, candidates are encouraged to begin preparations early, including verifying documents and understanding examination guidelines.
JAMB’s proactive scheduling also provides ample time for underage or exceptional candidates to undergo the necessary evaluations before the release of results.
