The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned prospective candidates that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close on February 26, 2026, with no possibility of extension.
The board urged candidates who intend to sit for the examination to complete their registration without delay, stressing that the deadline is final.
The warning was contained in JAMB’s weekly bulletin released on Monday, where the examination body expressed concern over the low turnout at many accredited registration centres despite the ongoing registration exercise.
JAMB said the habitual practice of candidates waiting until the final days before registering and then calling for an extension would not be tolerated in 2026.
“This recurring pattern, where candidates deliberately delay registration until the final days and subsequently begin to agitate for an extension, will not be entertained in 2026,” the board stated.
According to JAMB, the delay is often fueled by examination cheats and individuals posing as tutorial centre operators, who mislead candidates into postponing registration.
“This strategy is aimed at forcing an extension of the registration period, which allows for the mass movement of candidates to centres in groups, thereby facilitating examination malpractice,” the board added.
JAMB explained that registration for the 2026 UTME began on January 26 and was designed to run for five weeks, noting that the schedule remains unchanged.
The board disclosed that about one million candidates have already indicated interest in the examination, while many others have obtained their ePINs and are expected to complete their registration promptly.
It further noted that extending the registration period would be impracticable, as JAMB’s operational calendar is aligned with those of other examination bodies.
JAMB therefore advised candidates to register early, avoid last-minute rush, and disregard rumours suggesting that the deadline would be extended.
The board emphasised that it would not be held responsible for candidates who fail to complete their registration within the stipulated timeframe.
