UTME 2026: JAMB sets February 26 deadline, rules out extension

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close in 17 days, with the deadline fixed for Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The Board urged prospective candidates to complete their registration promptly, emphasising that the closing date will not be extended under any circumstances.

In its weekly bulletin released on Monday, JAMB expressed concern over the low turnout at several accredited registration centres across the country, despite the registration process already being in progress.

It warned against the common trend of candidates postponing registration until the last minute and then requesting an extension, stating that such requests will not be entertained this year.

According to the Board, some individuals posing as tutorial operators and examination cheats have been misleading candidates into delaying their registration. JAMB said these tactics are often aimed at creating pressure for deadline extensions, which could create opportunities for examination malpractice.

The Board stressed that it is aware of such schemes and has planned accordingly, reiterating that the registration window will remain unchanged.

JAMB noted that registration began on Monday, January 26, 2026, and is scheduled to run for five weeks as earlier announced. So far, about one million candidates have indicated interest in the examination, while many others have already obtained their ePINs and are expected to complete their registration soon.

It added that extending the registration period would disrupt its tightly coordinated schedule with other national examination bodies.

The Board therefore advised candidates to register early, avoid the last-minute rush, and disregard any claims suggesting the deadline would be shifted.