By Chimdiogo Amuh 

Abuja — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will close in 17 days, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, stressing that the deadline will not be extended.

In a statement contained in its weekly bulletin released on Monday, the examination body urged prospective candidates to complete their registration promptly, warning that it would not shift the closing date under any circumstances.

JAMB expressed concern over the low turnout of candidates at several accredited registration centres across the country, despite the registration exercise being well underway. It noted that the long-standing habit of candidates delaying registration until the final days and later agitating for an extension would not be tolerated for the 2026 UTME.

“This recurring practice, where candidates intentionally wait until the last minute and subsequently demand an extension, will not be entertained,” the Board stated.

The examination body also accused examination cheats and individuals posing as tutorial centre operators of deliberately misleading candidates to delay their registration. According to JAMB, such tactics are often aimed at forcing an extension of the registration period, thereby creating opportunities for examination malpractice through mass movement of candidates to selected centres.

“JAMB is fully aware of these deliberate strategies and has made adequate provisions to prevent them. There will be no extension of the registration window,” the Board said, adding that the warning was issued to protect sincere and law-abiding candidates.

JAMB recalled that registration for the 2026 UTME began on Monday, January 26, 2026, and was scheduled to last for five weeks, a timeline it said remains unchanged.

The Board disclosed that about one million candidates have already indicated interest in the examination, while many others have obtained their ePINs and are expected to complete the registration process without delay.

It further explained that extending the registration period would be impracticable, as its operational timetable is closely coordinated with those of other national examination bodies.

“Any extension would disrupt this coordinated schedule and encroach on timelines already reserved for other examinations,” JAMB noted.

The Board therefore advised candidates to register early, avoid last-minute rushes, and disregard any claims suggesting that the registration deadline would be extended.