The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close in just 17 days, specifically on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
In a recent statement, the Board urged all candidates planning to take the examination to register without delay, emphasizing that there would be no extensions to the registration deadline under any circumstances.
In its weekly bulletin released on Monday, JAMB expressed concern over the low turnout of candidates at many accredited registration centers at this stage of the registration process.
“This recurring pattern, where candidates deliberately delay registration until the final days and subsequently begin to agitate for an extension, will not be entertained in 2026.
“JAMB is fully aware of the deliberate tactics of examination cheats and individuals masquerading as tutorial centre owners, who misleadingly advise candidates to delay registration until the last minute.
“This strategy is often aimed at forcing an extension of the registration period, thereby enabling the mass movement of candidates to centres in groups, which facilitates examination malpractice.
“The Board wishes to state unequivocally that it is fully aware of these antics and has taken them into account in its planning.
“There will be no extension of the registration period, and this public notice is issued to ensure that genuine, law-abiding candidates are not misled or disadvantaged,” JAMB advised.
Candidates are reminded that the 2026 UTME registration officially began on Monday, January 26, 2026, and is scheduled to last for five weeks. JAMB clarified that extending the registration period is not feasible, as its operational calendar is closely aligned with those of other examination bodies.
“That timeline remains unchanged.
“So far, about one million candidates have already indicated interest in the examination, while a significant number have procured their ePINs and are expected to complete their registration without delay.
“Any extension would disrupt this coordinated schedule and encroach on timelines already allocated to other national examinations.
“Candidates are therefore advised, in their own interest, to register now, avoid last-minute rushes, and disregard any advice suggesting that the registration period will be extended,” the Statement concluded.
All prospective candidates are encouraged to complete their registration as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this important opportunity.
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