2026 UTME Registration Begins: JAMB's Fresh Warning Against Double Registration, Impersonation, and Biometric Fraud

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning to prospective candidates as preparations intensify for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration.

In a recent interactive session with management, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasized the Board's zero-tolerance stance on registration malpractice. He specifically cautioned against abusing National Identification Numbers (NIN), stating:

"Multiple/double registrations coupled with the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) by a single candidate for the purpose of double registration, impersonation, or any form of identity manipulation is strictly prohibited and will be severely sanctioned."

Oloyede highlighted several prohibited practices that undermine exam integrity, including impersonation, extortion, image blending, group registration, unauthorized movement of routers, and most notably, fingerprint donation. He warned:

"Against donating to or accepting fingers from others in order to accelerate biometric capturing... such actions attract severe sanctions and consequences."

Candidates are strongly advised to ensure only their own ten fingers are captured individually and accurately at approved CBT centres during biometric verification.
The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to a fully cashless registration process to protect candidates from exploitation. Third-party fees will continue to be collected centrally, with remittances to beneficiaries made weekly. To enhance accountability, administrators and tellers from partnering banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile money operators must register their NINs with JAMB for e-PIN vending.

Key Registration Timelines and Fees

• UTME Profile Creation / E-PIN Vending: Begins January 19, 2026, and ends February 26, 2026.

• UTME Registration Proper: Runs from January 26 to February 28, 2026, at approved CBT centres only.

• Mock-UTME Selection Deadline: February 16, 2026 (Mock exam scheduled for March 28, 2026).

• Direct Entry (DE) E-PIN Vending and Registration: Starts March 2, 2026, and closes April 25, 2026 - available exclusively at JAMB State and Zonal Offices.

Application Fees (unchanged from previous cycles):

• Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
• UTME (without Mock): ₦7,200
• UTME (with Mock): ₦8,700

Note: UTME registration precedes Direct Entry, and the actual 2026 UTME is set to hold from April 16 to April 25, 2026.

With registration now underway (profile creation started January 19), candidates should act promptly, ensure accurate biodata (especially NIN-linked details), and avoid shortcuts that could lead to disqualification or legal action. JAMB's message is clear: integrity is non-negotiable in the 2026 admission process.