(DDM) – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has urged prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry to generate their profile codes early to avoid registration setbacks.
The examination body says early preparation will reduce last-minute congestion and technical errors that often disrupt the admission process.
JAMB requires every candidate to obtain a unique 10-character profile code before purchasing an ePIN, visiting a Computer-Based Test centre, or completing registration.
Officials explain that the profile code links a candidate’s phone number, National Identification Number, and personal records into a single identity used throughout the admission cycle.
The board now relies heavily on the National Identity Management Commission database to retrieve candidate biodata.
This approach means any error in a candidate’s NIN details can automatically affect JAMB records and delay registration.
Education observers note that the stricter identity link has improved transparency but has also created anxiety among students who struggle with NIN verification.
Many families complain about long queues and slow processing at NIMC centres across the country.
JAMB maintains that candidates must first confirm they possess a valid NIN before attempting to generate a profile code.
Applicants can check their NIN by dialing the designated short code on the same phone number used during NIN registration.
Candidates without a NIN must visit an enrolment centre with valid identification documents.
Accepted documents include birth certificates, school identity cards, voter cards, driver’s licences, international passports, certificates of origin, and staff identity cards.
Officials collect biometrics and photographs during enrolment and later issue a NIN slip after verification.
Once a candidate secures a NIN, the next step requires sending the NIN by SMS to JAMB’s official numbers.
The system then returns a 10-character profile code to the same phone number.
JAMB warns candidates to use personal and active phone numbers because the system permanently ties the code to that line.
The board stresses that candidates cannot edit the code after generation, making accuracy essential.
Students who registered a NIN without a linked phone number must first update their records at NIMC.
School counsellors say many students delay this process and later rush when registration opens.
They advise parents to guide candidates through early verification to avoid panic.
Some education stakeholders praise the system for promoting credible data management.
Others argue that dependence on digital systems in areas with weak connectivity could disadvantage rural candidates.
Despite the debate, JAMB insists the policy strengthens the integrity of Nigeria’s admission system.
The board continues to encourage early action, saying preparedness will save candidates time, money, and stress.
Analysts believe the success of the 2026 registration cycle will largely depend on how smoothly students navigate the NIN and profile code process.
For now, candidates who act early appear more likely to avoid the yearly scramble that surrounds JAMB registration.
