The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said there will be no extension for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) billed to will close on Thursday , 26th February, 2026.
The Board said this in its JAMBulletin released on Monday.
According to the bulletin,
“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) wishes to remind all prospective candidates that the ongoing registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close in exactly 17 days, on Thursday , 26th
February, 2026.
“All candidates who desire to sit for the examination are strongly advised to register immediately, as the Board will not extend the registration deadline under any circumstance.
“The Board has 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 centres 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.
“Candidates are reminded that the 2026 UTME registration commenced on Monday, 26th January, 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 significant number have procured their ePINs and are expected to complete their registration without delay.
“The Board further explains that extending the registration period is practically impossible, as its operational calendar is 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.
“JAMB will not be held responsible for candidates who fail to act within the stipulated.”