TundeThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that there will be no extension of the 2026 UTME registration period, with about one million candidates already registered.
JAMB Says No Extension of 2026 UTME Registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration will not be extended beyond the scheduled deadline.
This information was disclosed through the official JAMB Bulletin, where the Board reaffirmed that the registration exercise began on Monday, 26 January 2026, and that the originally announced timeline remains unchanged.
JAMB emphasized that candidates have been adequately informed about the registration window and that all activities are progressing according to plan.
According to the Board, about one million candidates have already registered for the 2026 UTME.
JAMB disclosed that many candidates have:
- Successfully purchased their ePINs
- Completed or are in the process of completing their registration at accredited CBT centres
This figure reflects a strong level of interest in the 2026 UTME, even as the Board expressed concern over registration patterns at this stage.
Official Deadlines Candidates Must Note
JAMB reminded candidates of the final registration deadlines, stressing that these dates will not change:
- Sale of ePINs ends: 26 February 2026
- UTME registration ends: 28 February 2026
The Board stressed that these deadlines are final, and candidates who fail to meet them will not be accommodated.
JAMB stated unequivocally that:
- There will be no extension of the 2026 UTME registration period
- The five-week registration window was clearly communicated from the outset
The Board warned that the recurring habit of waiting until the last days and then agitating for an extension will not be entertained in 2026.
Despite the number of registered candidates, JAMB expressed concern over the near absence of candidates at many accredited CBT registration centres at this stage of the exercise.
According to the Board, this pattern has been observed repeatedly over the years, where:
- Candidates deliberately delay registration
- Large crowds appear only in the final days
- Pressure is mounted on JAMB to extend deadlines
JAMB made it clear that this approach will no longer influence its decisions.
The Board also warned candidates about deliberate misinformation being spread by:
- Examination malpractice
- Individuals posing as tutorial centre owners
According to JAMB, these individuals intentionally encourage candidates to delay registration, hoping that:
- Mass last-minute registration will occur
- Pressure will be created for deadline extension
- Opportunities for examination malpractice will be increased
JAMB urged candidates to ignore such misleading advice.
Why Extension Is Impracticable
JAMB explained that extending the registration period is impracticable because:
- Its operational calendar is tightly scheduled
- Activities are carefully aligned with other national examination bodies
Any extension would disrupt:
- Examination planning
- CBT centre scheduling
- Result processing and release timelines
As a result, the Board stated that the registration schedule must be strictly adhered to.
JAMB has advised all candidates who intend to sit for the 2026 UTME to:
- Register immediately
- Avoid last-minute rush and overcrowding at CBT centres
- Register only at accredited CBT centres
- Disregard rumours or claims suggesting a registration extension
The Board also stated that it will not be held responsible for candidates who fail to register within the stipulated period.
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Conclusion
JAMB has once again reaffirmed that there will be no extension of the 2026 UTME registration.
With ePIN sales ending on 26 February 2026 and registration closing on 28 February 2026, candidates are strongly advised to act early, avoid misinformation, and complete their registration promptly to avoid missing out on the examination.
Tunde
