The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged prospective candidates to hasten their registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning that the ongoing exercise will close in exactly 17 days, on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The Board advised all candidates intending to sit for the examination to register immediately, stressing that no extension of the registration deadline will be granted under any circumstances.
JAMB expressed concern over the low turnout of candidates at many accredited registration centres at this stage of the exercise. It noted that the recurring practice of candidates delaying registration until the final days only to later agitate for an extension will not be tolerated in 2026.
According to the Board, it is fully aware of deliberate tactics employed by examination cheats and individuals posing as tutorial centre operators, who allegedly mislead candidates to delay registration until the last minute. JAMB explained that such strategies are often aimed at forcing an extension of the registration period, enabling the mass movement of candidates to centres in groups, a situation that facilitates examination malpractice.
The Board stated unequivocally that it has anticipated these tactics and factored them into its planning, reiterating that there will be no extension of the registration period.
The public notice, it said, is intended to ensure that genuine and law abiding candidates are not misled or disadvantaged.
JAMB recalled that the 2026 UTME registration commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, and was clearly scheduled to last five weeks a timeline that remains unchanged.
So far, about one million candidates have indicated interest in the examination, while a significant number have already procured their ePINs and are expected to complete their registration without delay.
The Board further explained that extending the registration period is practically impossible, as its operational calendar is closely aligned with those of other examination bodies. Any extension, it noted, would disrupt the coordinated national examination schedule.
Candidates were therefore advised, in their own interest, to register promptly, avoid last minute rushes, and disregard any claims suggesting that the registration period will be extended.
JAMB stressed that it will not be held responsible for candidates who fail to register within the stipulated timeframe.