If you’re planning to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in 2025 or 2026, you’ll need to create a JAMB profile and obtain a unique 10-digit profile code. This code is essential for your registration and verification process. Without it, you cannot proceed with your JAMB application.
However, many candidates experience difficulties in receiving their profile codes via SMS through the official JAMB shortcode, 55019. This can be particularly stressful as the registration deadline approaches. In this blog post, we’ll explore common reasons why you might not receive your profile code via SMS/55019 and provide practical solutions to fix the problem. Additionally, we’ll introduce an alternative method of obtaining your profile code using USSD.
Why You May Not Receive Your Profile Code via SMS/55019
1. Insufficient Credit on Your SIM Card
One common reason you might not receive your profile code via SMS/55019 is a lack of sufficient credit on your SIM card. JAMB requires at least N50 airtime on your SIM card to generate the profile code. If your balance is below this threshold, you won’t receive a response.
Solution: Recharge your SIM card with enough airtime and resend your National Identification Number (NIN) to 55019. Ensure you use the same SIM card registered for your NIN.
2. Using a Special Package or Promo Bundle on Your SIM Card
Some special packages or promo bundles may prevent you from sending or receiving messages from shortcodes like 55019. For instance, if you’re using MTN BetaTalk, Glo Yakata, Airtel SmartConnect, or 9mobile MoreFlex, you may encounter issues receiving your profile code.
Solution: Migrate to a regular tariff plan that supports communication with shortcodes. For example, to switch from MTN BetaTalk to MTN Pulse, dial 4061#. Once migrated, resend your NIN to 55019.
3. Activating Do Not Disturb (DND) on Your SIM Card
The Do Not Disturb (DND) feature blocks unwanted calls and messages from certain numbers or categories. If activated on your SIM card, DND may prevent you from receiving messages from shortcodes like 55019.
Solution: Deactivate DND by sending “STOP” to 2442. After deactivating DND, resend your NIN to 55019.
4. Using a SIM Card Already Used by Another Candidate
If your SIM card has been previously used by another candidate to generate a profile code, JAMB will not allow you to use it again.
Solution: Use a different SIM card that has not been used by another candidate on the e-Facility. Ensure the SIM card is registered with your NIN and has sufficient airtime before resending your NIN to 55019.
5. Sending the Wrong NIN to 55019
Sending an incorrect NIN to 55019 is another common issue. Your NIN is an 11-digit number issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). If you send a wrong NIN, you’ll receive an error message stating, “Your NIN is not valid.”
Solution: Carefully send the correct NIN to 55019. Avoid adding spaces or punctuation. For example, if your NIN is 12345678901, send “NIN 12345678901” to 55019.
6. Sending the Right NIN to the Wrong Number
Mistakenly sending your NIN to the wrong number can also result in not receiving your profile code. The correct number for JAMB profile code generation is 55019.
Solution: Ensure you send your NIN to 55019 only. Avoid sending it to any other numbers, such as 66019, 55018, or 55020.
How to Get Your Profile Code via USSD
If you’ve tried all the above solutions and still haven’t received your profile code, you can use an alternative method via USSD. This method is quick and easy, allowing you to generate your profile code directly from your phone.
Steps to Get Your Profile Code via USSD:
- Dial 550191NIN# on your phone. For instance, if your NIN is 12345678901, dial 55019112345678901#.
- Wait a few seconds for JAMB to verify your NIN and generate your profile code.
- You will receive a message with your profile code and other details.
Note: This method also requires at least N50 airtime on your SIM card and should be done using the same SIM card registered with your NIN.
Conclusion
Getting your JAMB profile code via SMS/55019 is crucial for registering for the 2025/2026 JAMB examination. However, several issues might prevent you from receiving it. This blog post has outlined the common reasons and provided solutions to help you resolve these problems. Additionally, we’ve shared an alternative method to obtain your profile code via USSD.
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Best of luck with your JAMB registration and examination!
FAQs
What should I do if I still don’t receive my profile code after trying all solutions?
Consider contacting JAMB support or visiting the nearest JAMB office for further assistance.
Can I use someone else’s SIM card to get my profile code?
No, it’s recommended to use your SIM card, which is registered with your NIN, to avoid any issues.
Is the USSD method available on all networks?
Yes, the USSD method should work across all major networks in Nigeria.