The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that the sale and vending of E-PINs for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will end at exactly 12:00 midnight on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

This announcement serves as a final warning to all candidates who are yet to obtain their registration E-PIN. The examination body emphasized that there will be no extension, and candidates who fail to purchase their E-PIN before the deadline will automatically lose the opportunity to register for the 2026 UTME.

This development is critical because the E-PIN is the first and most essential requirement for UTME registration. Without it, candidates cannot proceed to complete their registration at accredited CBT centers.

This article explains everything you need to know, including:

• What JAMB E-PIN is

• Why the deadline matters

• Who will be affected

• Step-by-step guide to register

• Consequences of missing the deadline

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Expert advice for candidates

What Is JAMB E-PIN?

The JAMB E-PIN is a unique electronic code issued to candidates after payment of the UTME registration fee. It serves as proof of payment and allows candidates to register at accredited CBT centers.

Think of the E-PIN as your registration key.

Without it, you cannot:

• Register for UTME

• Select institutions

• Choose your course

• Upload your details

The E-PIN confirms that you have paid the official registration fee and are eligible to proceed.

Official Deadline: February 26, 2026 — Why It Matters

According to JAMB, the E-PIN vending deadline is fixed at:

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 12:00 Midnight

This means:

• No E-PIN will be sold after that time

• No exceptions will be granted

• No extension will be announced

The board has consistently maintained strict deadlines to ensure proper planning and examination logistics.

The Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of early registration to avoid last-minute technical problems.