The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reminded prospective candidates that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close on Feb. 26, with no possibility of extension.
The board urged candidates who intend to sit for the examination to complete their registration promptly, stressing that the deadline would be strictly enforced.
This was contained in JAMB’s weekly bulletin released on Monday, where the board expressed concern over the low turnout of candidates at several accredited registration centres.
JAMB noted that the habitual practice of delaying registration until the final days and subsequently calling for an extension would not be tolerated in 2026.
“This recurring pattern, where candidates deliberately delay registration until the last days and then begin to agitate for an extension, will not be entertained in 2026,” the board stated.
It added that it was aware of deliberate tactics employed by examination cheats and some individuals posing as tutorial centre operators, who allegedly advise candidates to postpone registration.
According to JAMB, such advice is often aimed at forcing an extension of the registration period, allowing candidates to move in groups to centres, a situation that could aid examination malpractice.
The board explained that registration for the 2026 UTME commenced on Jan. 26 and was scheduled to run for five weeks, adding that the timeline remained unchanged.
JAMB disclosed that about one million candidates had so far indicated interest in the examination, while many others had already obtained their ePINs and were expected to complete registration without delay.
It further stated that extending the registration period was impracticable, as its examination calendar was harmonised with those of other examination bodies.
The board therefore advised candidates to register early, avoid last-minute rush and ignore any claims that the registration deadline would be extended, warning that it would not be responsible for candidates who failed to register within the stipulated period.