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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has ruled out any extension of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, confirming that nearly one million candidates have already completed or initiated the process.
The Board made its position clear in its latest official bulletin, warning candidates not to wait until the final days before registering.
No Extension, Says JAMB
According to JAMB, the sale of e-PINs will end on February 26, 2026, while the registration portal will officially close on February 28, 2026. The Board stressed that the five-week registration window, which began on January 26, remains fixed.
Officials expressed concern over what they described as the “near absence” of candidates at several accredited registration centres at this stage of the exercise.
JAMB noted that many candidates traditionally delay registration, only to demand an extension as the deadline approaches a pattern the Board says it will not tolerate this year.
Warning Against Examination Malpractice
The Board also raised alarm over individuals allegedly misleading candidates into postponing registration in anticipation of a deadline extension.
According to JAMB, some examination fraud syndicates and self-styled tutorial operators deliberately encourage late registration to create last-minute pressure, which they then exploit to facilitate malpractice.
The Board stated unequivocally that such tactics will fail, reiterating that there will be no adjustment to the closing dates.
Operational Calendar Leaves No Room For Delay
JAMB explained that its schedule aligns closely with other national examination bodies and tertiary institutions. Any extension, it said, would disrupt the broader academic calendar.
With about one million candidates already indicating interest and many having purchased their e-PINs, the Board expects a steady flow of registrations in the coming days but not a rush driven by panic.
Advice To Candidates
Candidates are strongly advised to complete their registration early and avoid relying on unofficial claims circulating online.
Education stakeholders have also urged students to shift focus from speculation about deadlines to serious preparation for the examination itself.
With just over two weeks remaining, attention now turns to compliance and readiness, as JAMB moves steadily toward another nationwide UTME exercise.
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