JAMB Rules Out Extension As 2026 UTME Registration Ends In 17 Days

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said the ongoing registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close in exactly 17 days, on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The Board urged all candidates wishing to sit for the placement examination to register immediately, stressing that it will not extend the registration deadline under any circumstances.

In its weekly bulletin released on Monday, the Board observed with concern the near absence of candidates at many accredited registration centres at this stage of the exercise.

“This recurring pattern, where candidates deliberately delay registration until the final days and subsequently begin to agitate for an extension, will not be entertained in 2026.

“JAMB is fully aware of the deliberate tactics of examination cheats and individuals masquerading as tutorial centre owners, who misleadingly advise candidates to delay registration until the last minute.

“This strategy is often aimed at forcing an extension of the registration period, thereby enabling the mass movement of candidates to centres in groups, which facilitates examination malpractice.

“The Board wishes to state unequivocally that it is fully aware of these antics and has taken them into account in its planning.

“There will be no extension of the registration period, and this public notice is issued to ensure that genuine, law-abiding candidates are not misled or disadvantaged,” it stated.

The Board also reminded candidates that the 2026 UTME registration commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, and was clearly scheduled to last five weeks.

“That timeline remains unchanged.

“So far, about one million candidates have already indicated interest in the examination, while a significant number have procured their ePINs and are expected to complete their registration without delay.”

It further explained that extending the registration period was practically impossible as its operational calendar was tightly aligned with those of other sister examination bodies.

“Any extension would disrupt this coordinated schedule and encroach on timelines already allocated to other national examinations.

“Candidates are therefore advised, in their own interest, to register now, avoid last-minute rushes, and disregard any advice suggesting that the registration period will be extended,” it added.