JAMB Addresses Possibility of Deadline Extension as Low Turnout Recorded Nationwide
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially announced that the deadline for the sale of e-PINs for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination will remain February 26, with no possibility of extension. This decision comes despite a reported low turnout at registration centres across Nigeria, raising concerns among prospective candidates.
Registration Figures and Operational Capacity
As of February 17, 2026, JAMB disclosed that over 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered for the UTME, which is the compulsory computer-based test for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. However, the board highlighted that registration centres are currently operating at only about 30 percent of their daily capacity of 100,000 candidates. This significant underutilization suggests that many prospective examinees are delaying their registration, despite ample time and available infrastructure.
Reasons for No Extension
In a statement issued by JAMB's Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the board emphasized that the registration timeline is part of a nationally coordinated examination calendar agreed upon by all examination bodies in Nigeria. Extending the deadline would disrupt this broader schedule, affecting subsequent examinations and activities. JAMB firmly stated, "The board wishes to clearly state that there will be no extension of the registration deadline." This stance is aimed at maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring a smooth examination cycle.
Advice to Candidates
JAMB has urged all prospective candidates to complete their registration promptly to avoid last-minute challenges. Candidates who have already purchased their e-PINs must finalize their registration at accredited centres by February 28. The board cautioned that waiting until the final days could lead to avoidable difficulties, and no appeals for extension will be entertained after the deadline. This advice is part of efforts to ensure that no willing candidate is excluded due to delays.
Broader Implications and Context
The low turnout at registration centres has sparked discussions about potential factors, such as candidate procrastination or logistical issues. JAMB officials believe that sufficient time and resources have been provided, making delays unnecessary. The board's infrastructure is designed to handle high volumes, but current registration rates fall short of expectations. This situation underscores the importance of adhering to set timelines in national examination processes to prevent disruptions across the educational sector.
In summary, JAMB remains committed to its scheduled deadlines for the 2026 UTME, urging candidates to act swiftly to secure their participation in this critical examination for tertiary education admission in Nigeria.
