Bukola Afeni
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the commencement of registration for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday night and signed by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Board said, “UTME is open to suitably qualified candidates for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.”
JAMB disclosed that UTME registration will run from Monday, January 26 to Saturday, February 28, 2026, while the examination is scheduled to take place between Thursday, April 16 and Saturday, April 25, 2026. The optional Mock-UTME will hold on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The Board emphasised that possession of a National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for all applicants, stating that candidates must obtain their NIN before commencing registration.
On eligibility, JAMB said applicants must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, adding that underage candidates would only be considered after a rigorous assessment process.
“Candidates less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 will have to undergo an intensive evaluation to determine their eligibility for a waiver,” the statement read, noting that such candidates must score not less than 80 per cent in UTME or A-Level, Post-UTME, SSCE and the exceptional candidate assessment.
It further clarified that, “The UTME results of the underage candidates will be released only at the conclusion of the complete evaluation process.”
JAMB also announced that the sale of 2026 Direct Entry (DE) application documents and e-PIN vending will commence on Monday, March 2, 2026, and close on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
“Sale of 2026 Direct Entry application documents and e-PIN vending will commence from Monday, March 2, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The Board added that DE registration would be conducted exclusively at its State and Zonal Offices.
