JAMB 2026 Direct Entry Registration Opens for Eligible Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced registration for the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) candidates.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced registration for the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) candidates.

The ePIN vending and registration process will close on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The registration fee is ₦5,700, and candidates must register in person at State or Zonal JAMB offices nationwide.

Direct Entry Requirements
Candidates must possess a minimum of five O’level credit passes at not more than two sittings, with at least two credits at Principal or Advanced level. Alternative qualifications include:

  • First Degree (Nigerian or foreign universities)
  • University Diploma or National Diploma (ND)
  • Higher National Diploma (HND)
  • Nigeria French or National Arabic Language Diploma
  • NCE
  • A-Level Certificates (IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB)
  • Cambridge A-Level, International Baccalaureate, or other recognized foreign equivalents

All qualifications must be verified by awarding institutions and pre-verified by JAMB prior to registration.

Required Information for Registration
Candidates must provide:

  • Registration or matriculation number of the previous institution
  • Subject(s) of the qualification
  • Awarding institution
  • Affiliated institution (if applicable)
  • Year of graduation

Profile Creation Procedure
Each candidate must use a unique mobile number for registration. Candidates should send their 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN) via SMS to 55019 or 66019 in the format: NIN 00123456789. A 10-character profile code will be issued to the candidate’s mobile phone, which will be used for all future transactions with JAMB.

E-PIN Acquisition and Registration
Candidates present their profile code at authorized ePIN outlets such as NIPOST, banks, MMOs, and MFBs to pay the registration fee and receive their ePIN via SMS. The ePIN and profile code are required for registration at accredited JAMB CBT centers. Biometric verification, including fingerprint and photograph capture, is mandatory for completion of registration.

Important Rules and Guidelines

  • Group or proxy registration is strictly prohibited.
  • Candidates must pre-upload all required DE documents, including A-Level or equivalent results, at registration.
  • Any candidate awaiting results must follow JAMB guidelines for result submission and verification.
  • Pre-2020 Cambridge certificates require direct verification from Cambridge.
  • Candidates must disclose any previous matriculation; failure to do so will invalidate registration.
  • Passwords, profile codes, or other credentials must not be shared with third parties.

Support and Complaints
For assistance or complaints regarding registration, candidates should create a support ticket via https://www.jamb.gov.ng under the Ticket/Support section using their registered email. Complaints from third parties will not be entertained.

Candidates are advised to carefully follow all instructions to ensure successful completion of their 2026 Direct Entry registration.

NOUN and NECO Forge Strategic Partnership to Digitalise Result Verification and Curb Malpractice

The National Examination Council (NECO) and National Open University of Nigeria have team up on the verification of results of students who intend to seek admission into the university.

This followed the visit of the NECO Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, to the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, at the headquarters of the university on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Abuja.

The visit, as explained by NECO Registrar, was in two folds: first, to congratulate the new Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and to seek collaboration with NOUN as the largest university in sub- saharan Africa by candidate numbers.

He said NECO has developed a software for seamless verification of results, launched two years ago and has verified close to five million results using their e-verify system.

The collaboration with NOUN, according to Prof. Wushishi, will also seek to utilise the NOUN CBT centres for examination services, even as it will help reduce examination malpractice through the use of CBT centres.

The Vice-Chancellor, while responding, expressed his gratitude to Prof. Wushishi and his team and stressed the importance of verification of educational certificates, assuring that NOUN is willing for collaboration.

He thanked the Registrar for acknowledging NOUN’s capacity in CBT exams and ICT.

To show how committed NOUN is willing with the collaboration, Prof. Uduma immediately constituted a committee that will harmonise with NECO officials to finetune the partnership details.

Officials that accompanied the Registrar include: Dr. Ibrahim Peter Alih, SA to the Registrar, Sulieman Adegoke, Director Exams Administration, while on the NOUN side, Principal officers of the university: Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, DVC Academics; Prof. Shehu Adamu, DVC Admin; Prof. Christine Ofulue, DVC TIR; Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, Registrar; Mallam Nasiru Marafa, Bursar and the University Librarian, Prof. Angela Okpala were all present.

JAMB Set To Cancel Fraudulent UTME Registrations, Dismisses Three Officials

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to recommend the cancellation of registration of candidates who paid for assistance to cheat in examination to score high marks in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

‎The Board revealed plans to sack three staff members involved in selling unauthorised access to its examination portal, stressing that it will not tolerate any compromise on the integrity of UTME, given its significant investments in security measures…Addressing a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the board has identified several individuals, including students, parents, and proprietors of tutorial schools, involved in examination malpractice.

‎According to Oloyede, the board has evidence of candidates who paid for assistance to cheat in the examination, and those found guilty will face consequences… “What is important for us to emphasise here is that the students themselves and their parents, they are willing collaborators and they cannot be regarded as innocent and we have made up our mind that what we are going to do, all those who subscribed, who paid to be assisted, we are making appropriate recommendations to the authorities, particularly to the Minister of Education so that we can cancel all the registration of all the, you know, they did this last year,” he said.

‎He emphasised that paying for examination fraud is a crime and that receiving illegal assistance is a punishable offence..‎The Registrar also expressed concern about the involvement of parents and guardians in examination malpractice, stating that they are teaching their children that cheating is a strategy and that merit is optional.

‎According to the Board, over 100 candidates allegedly paid for illegal assistance to manipulate their UTME prospects and they are from 25 states across the country. Their registrations now face cancellation, pending approval by the Minister of Education. Oloyede stressed that neither candidates nor parents involved in such arrangements should consider themselves victims.

The board noted that it is working with security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Advisor, the Directorate of State Services, and the Nigerian Police Force, to investigate and prosecute those involved in examination malpractice.

He revealed that investigations exposed organised criminal syndicates, some deploying artificial intelligence tools to impersonate JAMB officials and swindle desperate candidates.

‎Oloyede, who expressed shock over the level of crime carried out, which included using AI to create pictures to depict closeness with JAMB officials, pleaded with the press to help the Board in the fight.

JAMB Opens 2026 UTME Subject Combination Corrections

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the correction process for candidates who selected incorrect subjects or wish to adjust their choices for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the correction process for candidates who selected incorrect subjects or wish to adjust their choices for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Board announced the update via its official X page, urging candidates to make necessary changes before the registration deadline. Candidates are required to visit any accredited JAMB centre to effect corrections to their subject combinations.

“This is to inform you that the correction of UTME subject combinations is now available. Kindly visit any of our accredited facilities to effect the change,” the notice stated.

JAMB also reminded candidates that the sale of e-PINs for the 2026 UTME will close at midnight on February 26, 2026, signaling the approaching end of the registration period.

Candidates Not Required To Remove Hijab During Registration” — JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has clarified that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs during registration, following a video that raised concerns about alleged discrimination against Muslim candidates at Afe Babalola University.

In a video shared by social media user AsakyGRN, a man lamented that his sister had been told to remove her hijab before being photographed, saying, “I followed my sister to the JAMB centre to collect her form. She was told to remove her hijab before she could be captured.

“After the capturing, they asked her to sign an undertaking for wearing a hijab. Are Muslims now being discriminated against for wearing hijabs?”

In a statement on Saturday via its verified account, JAMB said, “Thank you for your concern. However, it is important to state clearly that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, whether in the past or present, has never issued any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing the hijab.”

The board explained that the procedure at ABUAD is a standard biometric requirement.

“When his sister presented herself for registration, she was informed of the Board’s standard guideline, which is a global practice in capturing candidates for both an international passport and a visa, which requires that both ears must be visible during biometric photo capture,” the statement read.

“This requirement is purely technical and is intended to ensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require the candidate to remove her hijab.”

JAMB added that the candidate’s religious position was respected.

She was requested to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation. She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit after considerable time and effort,” the statement said.

The board reiterated, “For clarity, candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The simple requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab itself.

“This is a standard biometric procedure, similar to what is obtained during passport or visa applications at embassies worldwide.”

JAMB concluded by urging the public to avoid spreading misleading accounts and to seek clarification where necessary, adding, “Mutual understanding will enable the Board to serve every candidate more effectively and fairly. We remain committed to respecting the rights and beliefs of all candidates, irrespective of religion or background.”

JAMB began registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, January 26, 2026, running until Saturday, February 28, 2026.

JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede said e-PIN vending started on Monday, January 19, 2026, and will end on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

For Direct Entry (DE) candidates, sale of application documents and e-PIN vending begins Monday, March 2, 2026, closing Saturday, April 25, 2026, with registration available only at JAMB zonal and state offices. The Registrar assured that measures are in place to ensure a smooth registration process nationwide.

JAMB Begins 2026 UTME Candidate Subject Combination Corrections

JAMB begins 2026 UTME Candidate Subject Combination Corrections

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced the process for candidates who may have selected incorrect subjects, or who wish to adjust their choices to correct subject combinations for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This was disclosed in a notice shared on the Board’s official X page.

The update comes as registration for the 2026 UTME approaches its final deadline, and candidates are urged to complete necessary changes promptly.

According to JAMB, candidates who wish to adjust their UTME subject combinations can now do so by visiting any accredited centre to effect the changes.

“This is to inform you that the correction of UTME subjects combination is now available. Kindly visit any of our accredited facilities to effect the change,” the board stated.

The board also notifies that the sale of e-PINs for the 2026 UTME will close at midnight on February 26, 2026.

House of Representatives Calls for Suspension of WAEC CBT Exams

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend plans to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 school examinations.

This call comes amidst concerns about the readiness and potential impact of such a significant change on students and educational institutions.

Further details on the rationale behind this request and potential next steps are awaited.

English, Maths Remain Mandatory for O’Level Tertiary Admission, FG Clarifies

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O-Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics for their O-Level examinations. 

The Ministry emphasized that the new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering and sitting for these two core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements. The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, explained that the reform was designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across the country.

According to him, the streamlining ensures that capable and deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study. The justification for streamlining the O-Level admission guidelines is rooted in the need to modernize Nigeria’s education system in line with global best practices.

The new framework corrects this imbalance by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either subject are not compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects in their O-Level examinations. This reform aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.

It broadens academic pathways, encourages diverse learning opportunities, and recognizes different intellectual strengths among students. By streamlining admission processes, the Ministry aims to remove unnecessary barriers without compromising the quality and integrity of education.

The policy also reinforces the central importance of English Language and Mathematics as fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation.

The adjustment affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects. The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to maintaining high educational standards while promoting equity and inclusion. It will continue to work closely with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the new guidelines in line with national education objectives.

The Ministry further urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate and up-to-date information regarding all policies, reforms, and announcements. The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners. Bon Boriowo Folasade Director, Press and Public Relations.

Mathematics No Longer Compulsory for Arts Students — FG Revises Admission Requirements

In a major policy shift, the Federal Ministry of Education has announced that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory requirement for admission into universities and polytechnics for students in the arts and humanities disciplines.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, follows the approval of the Revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, which seek to “remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining academic standards.”

Until now, all admission seekers — including arts and humanities students — were required to present five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO).

With this new directive, candidates applying for programmes in fields such as Law, Mass Communication, English, History, Linguistics, and Theatre Arts, among others, will no longer be disqualified for lacking a credit pass in Mathematics.

The Ministry noted that the reform is part of efforts to make tertiary education more inclusive and aligned with global best practices, ensuring that admission policies reflect the true academic needs of each discipline.