UTME 2026 Registration: Profile Code Creation & Solutions [UPDATED]

 How to Easily Get your JAMB Profile Code for 2026 UTME Registration. We will also show you how to Correct the Name in the JAMB Profile and how to retrieve the lost profile code. 

To ensure a smooth registration process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and to reduce registration delays, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has informed prospective candidates that they can now generate and keep their profile code ahead of registration.

National Identification Number (NIN) Requirement

The Board also advised the candidates to get their National Identification Number (NIN), a prerequisite for UTME/DE registration. We have already provided guidelines on how to obtain your NIN for candidates. Check this post: NIN Registration Process and Requirements for 2026 UTME Applicants

▪ All candidates must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
▪ NIN is compulsory for both UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration
▪ All biodata used by JAMB is retrieved directly from the NIMC database
▪ Any error in name, date of birth, or personal details must be corrected at NIMC before registration begins

Important Notice on Phone Number Usage

▪ The phone number used to generate the profile code is automatically linked to the candidate
▪ The same number will be used for registration, examination, and admission communication
▪ The profile code contains 10 characters
▪ The profile code is sent to the same phone number used to generate it
▪ Once generated, a profile code cannot be changed

How to Generate JAMB Profile Code (2026)

Returning candidates

Reusing a previously used number

A returning candidate may reuse the same GSM telephone number used for earlier profile code creation, e-PIN vending, and prior registrations. That phone line remains tied to the candidate’s JAMB profile.

Retrieving an old Profile Code

If the candidate cannot locate the earlier profile code, the recovery step is direct: the candidate sends “RESEND” to 55019 or 66019 from the same phone number. The shortcode returns the previously issued profile code; the candidate uses that code when purchasing a new e-PIN.

Note: the existing profile (including email, telephone number, and profile code) cannot be altered or transferred to another candidate. The candidate also cannot change a name using the “CORRECT” command on that same number, because the profile is already linked.

New candidates

Registering with a new number

A new candidate follows the standard pattern for profile creation using a phone line that has not been used for UTME/DE registration in the past. The candidate sends an SMS containing the NIN in the exact format below to 55019 or 66019:

▪ Send NIN (space) 11-digit NIN number via SMS

Format: NIN [space] 11-digit NIN

Example: “NIN 00123456789”

▪ Send to 55019 or 66019
▪ Example: NIN 12345678901
▪ The SMS must be sent from the candidate’s personal GSM number

What Happens After Profile Code Generation

▪ Biodata is automatically pulled from NIMC
▪ The profile code remains valid for future years
▪ The same profile code can be reused as long as the same NIN is used
▪ The profile code cannot be transferred to another person

Completing registration at a JAMB CBT centre

After the candidate receives the ePIN, the next step is to complete registration at a JAMB-accredited CBT centre. For reference, candidates can consult: JAMB authorised CBT registration centres.

Frequent Issues During Profile Code Generation

▪ Error 550/66019
Indicates an incorrect SMS format. Ensure the command is properly written.

▪ Number Already Registered
The phone number has been used before. Retrieve the original SIM or use a new unused number.

▪ Unable to Verify NIN
This is usually temporary. Wait and try again later.

▪ No Response After Sending SMS
Insert the SIM into another phone and resend the message.

Strict Biometric Warning (Very Important)

▪ Candidates must avoid the use of henna (laali/lale) on their fingers
▪ Henna blocks biometric fingerprint verification
▪ Chemicals used to clean henna can damage fingerprints permanently
▪ All ten fingers must be clear and intact
▪ Failure of biometric verification will lead to denial of entry into the exam hall

Key Dates for 2026 UTME

▪ Sale of UTME e-PIN begins 19th January, 2026
▪ UTME registration begins 26th January, 2026

Solutions to JAMB Profile Code Issues

NIN SMS Sent but No Reply

▪ Remove your SIM card
▪ Insert it into another phone
▪ Resend the SMS

Phone Number Already Used by Another Candidate

▪ Use another phone line
▪ The new line must not have been used for JAMB
▪ Do not reuse the line for another candidate

Insufficient Airtime

▪ Profile code generation costs ₦50
▪ Ensure your line has at least ₦50 airtime

Invalid Character Found

▪ Use the correct SMS format only
▪ Format: NIN 85429832455
▪ Do not use commas, dots, colons, dashes, or symbols

Record Not Found for NIN

▪ Recheck the NIN digits sent
▪ If correct, visit a NIMC centre for verification

Date of Birth Invalid

▪ Visit the NIMC office where your NIN was done
▪ Request correction of date of birth
▪ This attracts a fee of about ₦15,000

Surname or First Name Missing

▪ Wait a few days and try again
▪ If the issue persists, visit a NIMC centre

NIN Passport Not Valid

▪ Wait for some days
▪ Retry the SMS later

Profile Code Used by Another Number

▪ Applies to returning candidates
▪ JAMB will not issue a new profile code
▪ Send RESEND to 55019 using the original phone number

Unable to Verify NIN (nimc:unknown)

▪ Your NIN is not linked to the phone number used
▪ Visit your network provider’s office
▪ Link your NIN to the number or dial the network’s linking USSD code

Error 540

▪ This is a network issue
▪ Wait and try again later

Bad Request / Wrong Parameter (Errors 15 & 16)

▪ Incorrect command was sent
▪ Correct format example:
▪ NIN 12345678912

If All Solutions Fail (Contact NIMC)

▪ Send an email with your Full Name, Phone Number, and NIN
▪ Email address: nimc-jamb2026@nimc.gov.ng

How to Write the Email

▪ Open your email app
▪ Click Compose
▪ Enter the email address
▪ Subject example: I Have NIN Issue
▪ Clearly explain the issue
▪ Be polite and detailed
▪ Send the email
▪ If no reply after 5 working days, resend the email

How to Report to JAMB Support

▪ Visit the JAMB Support Portal
▪ Click Create Support Ticket
▪ Select YES if you have a JAMB registration number
▪ Select NO if you do not
▪ Fill in required details
▪ Select Profile Code Issues
▪ Subject example: NIN Issues
▪ Explain your complaint clearly
▪ Attach screenshots if available
▪ Submit and save your Transaction ID

Final Notes for Candidates

▪ Use one phone number throughout the registration process
▪ Ensure NIN details are correct before registration
▪ Follow the SMS format strictly
▪ Complete registration only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres