To facilitate smooth registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and eliminate potential bottlenecks, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has notified prospective candidates that they can now generate and save their profile code for use when registration begins.

The Board also advised the candidates to get their National Identification Number (NIN), a prerequisite for UTME/DE registration. We have already provided guidelines on how to obtain your NIN for candidates. Check this post: NIN Application Guidelines and Requirements for JAMB 2026 Candidates.

Candidates are advised to note that the phone number used to send a request for their profile code, via a text message to either of the two quick codes, is automatically tied to their respective names and will be used by the Board in all communications relating to application, examination and admission. The candidates will receive a profile code of ten characters on the same telephone number.

If your NIN has any errors in your name, date of birth, or other personal details, you are advised to correct them immediately so the changes can take effect before JAMB registration begins. All personal information used for UTME registration is sourced directly from the NIMC database.

To generate their profile codes, candidates are expected to send: NIN (one space) and then their NIN number (eleven digits number) by text (SMS) to either 55019 or 66019 from their personal GSM number. For example, the SMS should look like this; "NIN 12345678901" (without the quotation marks); send it to 55019 or 66019. Remember, "12345678901" should be your own NIN.

Once a profile code is generated, it cannot be changed, and biodata is automatically retrieved from NIMC.

Frequent issues during profile code generation:

• If you get “Error 550/66019": It indicates an incorrectly formatted request; candidates should use the correct command (e.g., NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019).
• If you get “Number Already Registered": It suggests the phone number is linked to another profile; candidates should retrieve the SIM card or use a new number.
• If you get “Unable to Verify NIN": You are advised to wait and retry later.

For all prospective candidates for the 2026 UTME, it is not too early to start your preparation. Download the JAMB CBT Mobile app and the JAMB CBT software, The app will also give you instant notifications anytime there's an important update from JAMB and will also prepare you for the actual UTME. You can also join our JAMB 2026 Whatsapp Group.

Prospective candidates are also urged to heed the strict warning on the use and application of henna, otherwise called “ L a a l i ” / “ L a l e .” This is to avoid experiencing biometric verification challenges as it had been established that the application of henna on the fingers obstructs the biometric verification process. Furthermore, in an attempt by candidates to clean their fancy henna designs, they used chemicals that damaged the whorls on their fingers, hence making biometric verification and authentication difficult if not impossible.

JAMB also urged candidates to safeguard their ten fingers during both the registration and examination processes, stressing that successful biometric verification is essential for entry into the exam hall. Without it, candidates will not be granted access to the exam questions.