The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that there will be no extension of the registration deadline for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In its latest official bulletin, the Board disclosed that approximately one million candidates have so far registered for the ongoing exercise.

JAMB stated that the sale of ePINs will end on February 26, 2026, while the registration process will close on February 28, 2026. The Board urged all prospective candidates to complete their registration promptly, stressing that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances.

According to JAMB, it has observed with concern the low turnout of candidates at many accredited registration centres at this stage of the exercise. The Board noted that it is a recurring pattern for candidates to delay registration until the final days and later demand an extension — a request it said will not be entertained this year.

The examination body also warned against individuals and tutorial centres allegedly encouraging candidates to postpone registration in anticipation of a deadline extension. JAMB described such actions as deliberate attempts to create last-minute congestion that could enable examination malpractice.

The Board reaffirmed that the registration exercise, which commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, was scheduled to last five weeks, and that timeline remains unchanged.

JAMB further explained that extending the registration period is impracticable because its operational calendar is closely aligned with those of other examination bodies.

Candidates were therefore advised to register early, avoid the last-minute rush, and disregard any claims suggesting that the deadline would be extended.