By: Manoah Kikekon
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of the sale of application documents for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) admissions. Aspiring students looking to secure spots in Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session can begin purchasing their forms on Monday, January 26, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Board outlined strict timelines, fee structures, and new eligibility criteria designed to maintain academic standards across the country.
Candidates are encouraged to take note of these critical dates to avoid the last-minute rush: E-PIN Vending for UTME: Monday, January 19, 2026 – Thursday, February 26, 2026. UTME Registration Period: Monday, January 26, 2026 – Saturday, February 28, 2026. Direct Entry (DE) Sales: Monday, March 2, 2026 – Saturday, April 25, 2026. Mock-UTME Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026. Main UTME Examination: Thursday, April 16, 2026 – Saturday, April 25, 2026.
JAMB has reiterated that the standard minimum age for admission remains 16 years. Specifically, only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, are generally eligible.
However, the Board has introduced an "intensive evaluation" pathway for underage candidates. To qualify for a waiver, these exceptional students must score at least 80% in their UTME, A-Levels (for DE), Post-UTME, and SSCE. Their results will only be released after a complete psychological and academic assessment.
The Board continues its cashless policy to prevent candidate exploitation. Payment must be made through accredited channels to receive a 10-character profile code.
Direct Entry (DE) ₦5,700, UTME (Without Mock) ₦7,200, UTME (With Mock) ₦8,700.
Note: The total cost includes the ₦3,500 application fee, ₦1,000 for the reading text ("The Lekki Headmaster"), and various service charges for CBT centers and banks.
To ensure a smooth process, candidates must have the following ready before visiting an accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) center:
1. National Identification Number (NIN): This is mandatory for profile creation.
2. Unique Mobile Number: Each number can only be used by one candidate.
3. Active Email Address: For receiving official communications and result slips.
JAMB warned that any candidate who engages in multiple registrations or attempts to circumvent the age policy through fraudulent data will face immediate disqualification and possible prosecution.