Manny Ita –
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that more than 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with the registration deadline firmly set for February 26, 2026.
The examination body disclosed the figures on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, noting that the surge in registrations reflects sustained interest among prospective undergraduates seeking admission into tertiary institutions across the country. Officials emphasized that the deadline remains unchanged and advised candidates yet to complete their registration to do so promptly.
A spokesperson for the board stated, “As of today, over 1.5 million candidates have registered for the 2026 UTME. We want to make it clear that the registration deadline is February 26 and there will be no extension.” The official added that candidates are expected to finalize their biometric capture and obtain their examination slips before the closing date.
JAMB reiterated that all registrations must be carried out at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide to ensure compliance with examination guidelines. The board warned against patronizing unauthorized agents, stressing that any irregularities discovered could lead to disqualification.
“We urge candidates to avoid last-minute rush and ensure that their details are correctly captured. Errors in names, dates of birth, or subject combinations can affect admission processing,” the spokesperson said.
Education stakeholders have noted that the registration figures indicate a consistent rise in UTME participation, underscoring growing demand for university, polytechnic, and college of education placements. Analysts say the board’s insistence on maintaining the February 26 deadline is aimed at preserving the examination calendar and preventing logistical bottlenecks ahead of the testing period.
Parents and guardians have also been advised to support candidates in completing the process early, particularly in rural areas where access to CBT centres may require travel. The board assured the public that adequate centres and technical support systems have been deployed nationwide to accommodate the remaining applicants before the deadline.
The 2026 UTME is expected to hold later in the year, with JAMB maintaining that strict adherence to timelines is critical to ensuring a seamless admission cycle for tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
