The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) to begin the creation of their profiles ahead of the commencement of registration.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the call in a statement issued by the Board’s spokesperson in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that early profile creation would help to ensure a seamless registration process and reduce last-minute challenges.

According to Oloyede, the profile creation exercise is a compulsory preliminary step for all candidates intending to sit for the 2026 UTME or apply through the Direct Entry mode, noting that no candidate would be able to register without a valid JAMB profile.

He explained that candidates are required to generate their profiles by sending their National Identification Number (NIN) via SMS to the designated JAMB shortcode or by using approved online platforms, in line with existing guidelines.

“The Board advises all prospective candidates to commence their profile creation early to avoid congestion and unnecessary pressure as the registration deadline approaches,” Oloyede said.

He reiterated that the integration of NIN into the registration process remained a critical requirement aimed at enhancing data integrity, eliminating multiple registrations and curbing examination malpractice.

The registrar also cautioned candidates to ensure that their personal details, including names and dates of birth, were correctly captured in their NIN records before initiating the profile creation process, as discrepancies could affect their registration and admission chances.

Oloyede warned candidates against patronising cybercafés and individuals not accredited by the Board, noting that JAMB would not be held responsible for errors arising from the use of unauthorised centres.

He further disclosed the details of the 2026 UTME and DE registration timetable, approved centres, examination dates and modalities would be officially announced by the Board in due course.

The Board assured candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and hitch-free examination, urging parents and guardians to guide their wards appropriately throughout the registration process.

Sources report that the UTME is a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, while the Direct Entry pathway allows candidates with advanced qualifications to gain admission directly into higher levels of tertiary institutions.