The registration process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has entered a crucial phase as the closing date approaches and prospective candidates are advised to avoid last-minute enrolment.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board fixed January 26, 2026, as the opening date and February 28, 2026, as the final day for registration, setting a defined window for all applicants.
Despite this clear timeline, many candidates traditionally delay their registration in anticipation of a possible extension, a decision that often leads to avoidable complications.
Education officials note that while deadline extensions have occurred in the past, recent communication from the examination body stresses a strict adherence to the stated schedule except in cases of verified technical disruptions.
Late registration periods are usually characterised by overcrowded centres, slower processing time, and early closure of facilities due to heavy traffic of applicants.
Candidates who wait until the final days are more likely to make errors during registration, including incorrect personal details, poor passport uploads, or the use of invalid contact information.
Such mistakes can affect admission processing later, as tertiary institutions begin to review candidates’ data immediately after registration closes.
The registration process requires an electronic personal identification number, commonly called an e-PIN, which serves as the gateway to complete the UTME application.
Sales of this e-PIN typically end about two days before the official closing date, meaning candidates who do not obtain it on time may be unable to proceed even if the portal remains open.
This implies that candidates must secure their e-PIN on or before February 26 to ensure they can complete their enrolment before the deadline.
The situation is slightly different for Direct Entry applicants, whose registration is handled separately to reduce congestion at centres.
Direct Entry candidates are required to complete their registration at designated zonal or state offices of the examination body where their academic credentials are carefully verified.
For UTME candidates, however, registration is conducted across various accredited centres nationwide, which may become filled up as the deadline approaches.
Biometric verification is a critical part of the registration process and requires clear fingerprint capture before a candidate can be successfully enrolled.
During peak periods, biometric devices may malfunction or slow down due to heavy usage, which can prevent candidates from completing their registration on time.
Another technical requirement is the synchronisation of the National Identification Number with the registration portal before a candidate can proceed.
This process can sometimes take time, and candidates who encounter delays on the final day may lose the opportunity to register for the examination year.
Centre capacity also becomes a major concern during late registration as available slots in preferred locations may already be filled.
When this happens, candidates may be assigned to centres far from their residence, increasing travel stress and logistical challenges on examination day.
Education stakeholders therefore encourage early registration as a way to reduce pressure, ensure accuracy of information, and secure convenient examination centres.
They also note that missing the registration deadline means waiting for another admission cycle, which may disrupt academic plans for a full year.
With universities and other tertiary institutions relying on UTME data to shape admission strategies, timely registration remains a key step for candidates seeking placement.
As the deadline draws near, the emphasis remains on early action to avoid avoidable setbacks and ensure smooth participation in the 2026 examination cycle.