JAMB Issues Fresh Advice Ahead of 2026 UTME Registration — What Candidates Must Check First

As preparations quietly build toward the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has shared an important reminder that could save candidates from unnecessary stress later. The message is simple, but its impact is often underestimated: check your National Identification Number details before starting your UTME or Direct Entry registration.

Over the years, JAMB has moved steadily toward a fully integrated digital process. Today, registration is no longer just about filling forms at a CBT centre. It begins with your personal data, especially the information attached to your NIN. Whatever appears in the national database is what flows into JAMB’s system. If there is a mistake there, it can affect everything that follows.

In its latest weekly bulletin, JAMB warned that many of the challenges candidates face during registration and even during examinations are linked to incorrect or inconsistent NIN records. Misspelled names, wrong dates of birth, or mismatched personal details may look minor, but they can prevent profile creation or trigger issues that are difficult to fix once registration is underway.

The board also made it clear that registration for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry could begin at any time. This early window is not meant for panic or rush. It is an opportunity for candidates to carefully verify their details across all relevant databases and make sure everything matches. JAMB encouraged candidates to use this period wisely, because correction opportunities are limited and not every request can be granted once the process is in full motion.

From real-world experience, many candidates only discover errors when they are already at a CBT centre, surrounded by long queues and tight deadlines. At that point, even simple corrections can become frustrating. JAMB’s advice is aimed at preventing exactly this kind of situation by shifting responsibility to the very start of the process.

READ ALSO: FG to Complete YEIDEP Onboarding for Remaining 8 Million Beneficiaries by Q1 2026

What most candidates want to know is straightforward. What should be checked first before UTME registration? The answer is your NIN record. Confirm that your full name is correctly arranged and spelled, your date of birth is accurate, and your basic personal information reflects your official documents. If anything is wrong, it should be corrected at the National Identity Management Commission before attempting to create a JAMB profile.

From an admissions and examination standpoint, this approach supports fairness and transparency. Clean data makes it easier to verify identities, process results, and reduce disputes. It also protects candidates from avoidable setbacks that have nothing to do with their academic preparation.

As someone who has followed admission processes closely, one pattern stands out clearly. Candidates who take time to get their personal data right early almost always enjoy a smoother registration experience. Those who ignore it often spend weeks trying to fix problems that could have been avoided in minutes.

One practical takeaway for every 2026 UTME or Direct Entry candidate is this: before thinking about subjects, cut-off marks, or exam dates, confirm your NIN details. That single step can make the difference between a calm registration and a stressful one.

For more info, visit jamb.gov.ng for latest updates on 2026 JAMB procedure.