2026 UTME: No extension after Feb 26 deadline – JAMB
JAMB Reminds Candidates of 2026 UTME Registration Deadline
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close on February 26, 2026.
In a statement released in its weekly bulletin on Monday, JAMB urged prospective candidates to complete their registration as soon as possible, emphasizing that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances.
The board expressed concern regarding the low turnout of candidates at various accredited registration centers during this phase of the process. It indicated that the pattern of delaying registration until the last moment, only to seek extensions afterward, would not be tolerated in 2026.
“This recurring pattern, where candidates intentionally postpone registration until the final days and subsequently agitate for an extension, will not be entertained in 2026,” JAMB stated. The board is aware of tactics used by examination cheats and fake tutorial center operators who mislead candidates into delaying their registration.
JAMB clarified that registration for the 2026 UTME began on January 26 and is scheduled to run for five weeks, with the timeline remaining unchanged. Approximately one million candidates have shown interest in the exam, and many have already obtained their ePINs, which they are encouraged to use to complete their registration promptly.
The board noted that extending the registration period is impractical, as its operational calendar aligns with other examination bodies. JAMB advised candidates to register early, avoid last-minute rushes, and disregard any claims of a possible extension. The board reiterated that it will not be responsible for candidates who fail to meet the registration deadlines.
