The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has advised prospective candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) programmes to ensure that their National Identification Number (NIN) details are accurate and properly updated with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before commencing registration.
The advice is aimed at preventing discrepancies between candidates’ personal information on the NIMC database and the details submitted during the JAMB registration process.
JAMB has made the use of NIN an important part of its registration process. Candidates are required to use their NIN to generate a profile code before obtaining their UTME or DE application PIN and proceeding to an accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre for registration.
The examination board has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that personal details on the NIN record correspond with information supplied for JAMB registration.
According to JAMB’s official guidelines, candidates are expected to cross-check their particulars before confirming their registration. The board specifically advises candidates to ensure that information on their NIN tallies with other supporting documents.
Errors in details such as names, date of birth, state or local government of origin and gender can create difficulties during registration and subsequent admission-related processes.
JAMB’s NIN data-update procedure also indicates that corrections to certain biodata fields must first be effected with NIMC before the corresponding information can be updated on the JAMB platform.
JAMB’s official guidance states that candidates can generate their profile code by sending “NIN” followed by a space and their 11-digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019 from their unique mobile number.
The board has emphasised that candidates should use a personal and unique telephone number because the number becomes linked to their JAMB profile and is used for important communications and transactions.
After successfully sending the required SMS, the candidate receives a profile code, which is subsequently used in the application process.
JAMB also warns candidates against allowing agents or other individuals to take control of their phones or confidential registration details during the process.
The latest advisory is particularly significant for candidates who may have discrepancies in their NIN records.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to resolve such issues with NIMC before beginning JAMB registration to minimise delays and avoid complications arising from mismatched personal information.
JAMB has also maintained that candidates should not register more than once. Where an error occurs during registration, candidates are expected to seek correction through the appropriate JAMB procedure rather than obtaining another application document.
After obtaining the necessary profile code and e-PIN, candidates are required to complete their registration at a JAMB-approved CBT centre.
During registration, candidates’ photographs and biometric details are captured, after which a registration slip is produced. JAMB advises applicants to carefully review the information on the slip before confirming the registration through biometric authentication.
The board has also advised candidates to keep their profile codes, registration details and other confidential information secure throughout the admission process.
The NIN requirement is part of JAMB’s broader effort to strengthen candidate identification, reduce fraudulent registrations and improve the integrity of its examination and admission processes.
With UTME and DE registration involving millions of prospective students, the board continues to urge applicants to rely on official JAMB channels and approved CBT centres for registration and related services.
Candidates who encounter difficulties with their NIN information or JAMB profile are advised to resolve the issues through the appropriate official channels rather than relying on unauthorised agents.
JAMB’s official registration portal provides access to UTME and Direct Entry registration services, while the board’s published guidelines contain information on profile-code generation, registration requirements and other procedures.
