As registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) gathers momentum, education stakeholders have warned candidates to be vigilant and avoid common mistakes that could jeopardise their chances of sitting for the examination or gaining admission into tertiary institutions.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has consistently noted that many candidates lose admission opportunities yearly—not due to poor scores, but because of avoidable registration errors. With heightened data verification tied to the National Identification Number (NIN), accuracy and early preparation have become more crucial than ever.
Below are some of the major errors candidates are advised to avoid during the 2026 UTME registration:
Use of Wrong Phone Number or Email Address
Candidates are strongly advised to register with their personal and active phone numbers and email addresses. Using a third party’s contact details can result in missed notifications, inability to retrieve profile information, and loss of access to vital JAMB updates.
Incorrect Profile Code Generation
Errors often occur when candidates fail to follow the prescribed SMS format for generating their JAMB profile code. The correct procedure is to send
“NIN [space] Your 11-digit NIN”
to 55019 or 66019 using the candidate’s own phone number. Any deviation may lead to failed or delayed registration.
Mismatch of Personal Details
Names, date of birth, and gender must align perfectly with records on NIMC, WAEC/NECO/NABTEB, and other official documents. Discrepancies can lead to disqualification during admission screening.
Failure to Correct NIMC Data Before Registration
Candidates with errors on their NIN records are advised to resolve them at NIMC offices before initiating UTME registration, as JAMB relies heavily on NIMC data and post-registration changes are limited.
Wrong Subject Combination
Selecting UTME subjects not approved for an intended course remains one of the most damaging mistakes. Candidates are urged to consult the official JAMB brochure to confirm correct subject combinations.
Choosing Institutions That Do Not Offer the Intended Course
Some candidates unknowingly select institutions that do not run their chosen programmes, leading to automatic disqualification during admission processing.
Registration at Unaccredited CBT Centres
JAMB has warned against registering at roadside cybercafés or unapproved centres. Only JAMB-accredited CBT centres are authorised to conduct UTME registration to prevent errors, fraud, or data manipulation.
Poor Biometric Capture and Passport Photograph
Blurred passport photos or incomplete fingerprint capture can affect registration validity and even cause problems on examination day. Candidates are advised to ensure proper biometric enrolment.
Failure to Verify Information on the Dual Screen
Before final submission, candidates are shown their details on a dual-screen system. Experts stress that this is the last opportunity to detect and correct errors before registration is concluded.
Incorrect O’Level Result Entry
Wrong grades, subjects, examination numbers, or years can invalidate a candidate’s admission chances. Candidates should enter results carefully or use the “awaiting result” option where applicable.
Late Registration
Waiting until the deadline increases exposure to network failures, overcrowded CBT centres, and rushed mistakes. Early registration allows time for corrections and better exam centre selection.
Experts’ Advice
Education consultants advise candidates to approach UTME registration with the same seriousness as the examination itself, noting that “a single error can cost a candidate an entire academic year.”
As the 2026 UTME approaches, candidates are urged to stay informed, follow official guidelines strictly, and seek assistance only from approved channels to safeguard their future academic aspirations.