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The countdown has officially begun for millions of admission seekers across Nigeria as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) solidifies the timeline for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a final notice issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Board’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed that there will be no extension of the registration window. With over 1.5 million candidates already on the portal, prospective students who have yet to complete their enrollment are under immense pressure to act before the 26th of February. This announcement serves as a critical warning to avoid the "last-minute rush" that often leads to technical glitches and avoidable registration failures.

​Critical Dates: When is the 2026 UTME Registration Deadline?

​Understanding the distinction between the e-PIN vending and the actual registration is vital for every candidate. JAMB has structured the final days of the exercise into two distinct cut-off points:

• ​Thursday, February 26, 2026 (Midnight): This is the final deadline for the sale of e-PINs. Once the clock strikes 12:00 midnight on this day, the portal for purchasing the mandatory registration pin will be permanently deactivated.
• ​Saturday, February 28, 2026: This is the final closing date for registration at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. Only candidates who have already procured their e-PINs by the 26th will be allowed to complete their biometric capturing and data entry during these final 48 hours.

​Why the Deadline is Firm

​Dr. Fabian Benjamin emphasized that the Board operates within a "nationally coordinated examination calendar." This schedule is agreed upon by various examination bodies in Nigeria to ensure there is no overlap between the UTME, WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB. Consequently, there is no logistical window for an extension, even if the Board were inclined to consider one.

​Current Registration Statistics and CBT Capacity

​As of Tuesday, February 17, 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered nationwide. While this is a significant number, JAMB expressed concern that many CBT centres are currently underutilized.

​"The Board has a daily registration capacity of 100,000 candidates, yet registration centres across the country are currently operating at barely 30 per cent of that capacity," the statement revealed.

​This data suggests that hundreds of thousands of candidates are procrastinating, waiting for the final week to throng the centres. JAMB warns that this behavior creates unnecessary bottlenecks, system overloads, and "avoidable challenges" that the Board will not be held responsible for after the deadline.

​How to Register for 2026 UTME: A Step-by-Step Guide

​If you haven't started your registration, you must follow these steps immediately to beat the February 26 e-PIN deadline:

1. ​Generate Your Profile Code: Send your 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN) to 55019 or 66019 via SMS. Ensure the phone number you use is unique to you and registered in your name.
2. ​Purchase the e-PIN: Use your 10-character profile code to buy the e-PIN at any authorized bank, online platform, or approved vendor. The total cost, including CBT service charges, is approximately N8,800 (N7,700 for those opting out of the mock exam).
3. ​Visit an Accredited CBT Centre: Once you have your e-PIN, visit a JAMB-approved centre for your biometrics (thumbprint) and to choose your preferred course and institution.
4. ​Confirm Your Details: Ensure you use the "Dual Screen" at the CBT centre to confirm that your passport photograph, subjects, and biodata are correctly captured before the final submission.

​Important Reminders for Candidates

• ​Age Eligibility: Generally, candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026. Underage candidates may face additional evaluation for waivers.
• ​Optional Mock-UTME: The mock examination is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, for those who indicated interest during registration.
• ​Main UTME Dates: The main examination will hold from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026.

​Conclusion

​The JAMB 2026 UTME registration deadline is not just a date on the calendar; it is a hard boundary that determines your entry into tertiary education this year. With only a few days left to obtain your e-PIN, the advice is clear: Register now or wait until 2027. Don't let procrastination be the reason your academic dreams are delayed. Visit the nearest accredited CBT centre today and secure your spot in the upcoming examination.