JAMB
Abayomi Susan
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified its stance on double UTME registration, emphasizing that candidates currently enrolled in tertiary institutions and seeking to register for the 2026 UTME/DE must disclose their matriculation status. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of both admissions.
According to JAMB, it’s not an offense to register for UTME/DE while still enrolled in an institution, but failure to disclose this status is considered an offense. The board’s system can detect prior matriculation, and candidates who fail to disclose their status risk having both opportunities forfeited .
To clarify, candidates who accepted admission in 2025 into any tertiary institution won’t be eligible for consideration in the 2026 UTME unless they formally withdraw from the earlier admission. JAMB doesn’t permit candidates to run two admissions concurrently.
The formal withdrawal process involves submitting an official withdrawal letter to the institution and completing necessary clearance procedures to remove the admission status from CAPS. Only after this process is completed can candidates lawfully register for the 2026 UTME.
JAMB has also warned against unscrupulous self-styled education advocates spreading misinformation about the registration process. The board emphasizes that its directives are clear and straightforward, and candidates should carefully read the guidelines to avoid confusion.
The 2026 UTME/DE registration is expected to start on January 26, 2026, and run through February 28, 2026. Candidates are advised to complete registration early to avoid last-minute congestion.
To register, candidates need to generate a profile code using their National Identification Number (NIN), purchase an e-PIN, and visit an accredited CBT centre for biometric capture and registration.
