TundeBREAKING: JAMB Registers 1.5 Million Candidates — No Extension for 2026 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that over 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
However, the Board has issued a strong warning: there will be no extension of the registration deadline.
This update was disclosed in Abuja by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.
2026 JAMB Registration Deadline
Candidates should take note of the following important dates:
- e-PIN Sales Close: February 26, 2026 (12:00 midnight)
- Final Registration Deadline: February 28, 2026
- UTME Examination Dates: April 16 – April 25, 2026
JAMB emphasized that registration will strictly close on February 28.
Only 30% of Registration Capacity Used
According to the Board, CBT centres nationwide can register up to 100,000 candidates daily, yet they are currently operating at just 30% capacity.
This means thousands of prospective candidates have not completed their registration.
Why JAMB Will Not Extend the Deadline
JAMB operates within a nationally coordinated examination calendar agreed upon by all examination bodies in Nigeria.
The Board explained that its registration window is carefully structured to allow other examination bodies to conduct their own exercises immediately afterward.
As a result, there is no available window for extension.
Important Advice for 2026 UTME Candidates
JAMB strongly advises candidates to:
- Obtain their e-PIN before the vending deadline
- Proceed immediately to accredited CBT centres
- Avoid last-minute registration rush
- Double-check subject combinations before submission
- Waiting until the final days may result in avoidable technical or logistical challenges.
What This Means for JAMB 2026 Candidates
With over 1.5 million candidates already registered, competition for the 2026 UTME will be intense.
Candidates are encouraged to complete registration early and begin serious preparation ahead of the April examination period.
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