Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board insists there will be no extension of the ongoing 2026 UTME registration, warning candidates that the deadline expires in 17 days.
In a statement issued Monday, JAMB says registration will close permanently on Thursday, 26 February 2026, stressing that no exceptions will be granted.
The Board expresses concern over low turnout at accredited centres midway into the exercise, cautioning against the familiar pattern of last-minute rush followed by appeals for deadline extensions.
JAMB accuses examination malpractice syndicates and some tutorial centres of deliberately misleading candidates to delay registration.
“These groups falsely assure candidates of an extension to enable coordinated movements and cheating,” the Board states, adding that it has anticipated such tactics.
JAMB confirms that the five-week registration window remains unchanged, noting that about one million candidates have already shown interest, with many purchasing e-PINs.
The Board explains that extending registration is operationally impossible due to tight coordination with other national examination bodies.
“Candidates who fail to register within the stipulated period will bear full responsibility,” JAMB warns.
It urges prospective candidates to disregard false assurances, complete registration promptly and avoid unnecessary complications as the deadline approaches.
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