JAMB Mandates Interswitch Platforms for 2026 UTME ePIN Purchases
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued a clear directive to all prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry programs. According to official statements, candidates must obtain their electronic Personal Identification Numbers exclusively through Interswitch-supported payment platforms to ensure secure and efficient registration processes.
Approved Payment Channels and Verification Requirements
Prospective examinees can access the required ePIN through multiple Interswitch channels including the Quickteller mobile application, the Quickteller web platform, and the Interswitch Payment Gateway integrated directly into JAMB's official portal. These platforms have been specifically authorized to handle all ePIN transactions for the upcoming examination cycle.
Candidates must complete a crucial verification step before initiating any payment. They are required to visit the JAMB e-facility portal, confirm their unique profile code, and then select Interswitch as their preferred payment option to complete the transaction. This verification process helps prevent errors and ensures accurate candidate identification.
Interswitch's Commitment to Educational Access
Olawale Akanbi, Divisional Head of Growth Marketing at Interswitch, emphasized the company's dedication to supporting educational access through reliable payment infrastructure. "The UTME registration process represents a significant milestone for millions of students and their families across Nigeria," Akanbi stated. "Our platforms are specifically designed to provide secure, convenient, and accessible payment channels that help candidates complete their registration without unnecessary stress."
The Interswitch executive highlighted several key advantages of their payment systems:
- Robust security protocols to protect financial transactions
- Nationwide accessibility through multiple channels
- Capacity to handle high transaction volumes during peak registration periods
- Flexible payment options suitable for various locations and preferences
Akanbi further encouraged all JAMB-accredited registration centers to direct candidates exclusively to Interswitch-powered payment options to minimize errors and ensure seamless ePIN purchases throughout the registration period.
Registration Statistics and Deadline Information
JAMB has reported that as of February 17, over 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered for the 2026 UTME despite what the board describes as "significantly reduced" turnout at registration centers nationwide. The examination body noted that although it maintains a daily registration capacity of 100,000 candidates, current registration centers are operating at barely 30 percent of their potential capacity.
The board expressed concern that many candidates appear to be deliberately delaying their registration until the final days of the registration window. JAMB has firmly established February 26 as the absolute deadline for ePIN purchases and has explicitly ruled out any possibility of extension, citing a nationally coordinated examination calendar and operational constraints that prevent deadline adjustments.
Additional Registration Updates
In related developments, JAMB has announced that correction of subject combinations is now available for registered candidates. The examination body disclosed this information through its official social media channels, advising candidates to "visit any of our accredited facilities to effect the change" if they need to adjust their selected subject combinations.
The board continues to emphasize the importance of early registration to avoid last-minute complications and ensure smooth processing of all candidate information. With the February 26 deadline rapidly approaching, prospective candidates are urged to complete their registration through the approved Interswitch channels without further delay.
