The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) is a mandatory requirement for the registration of the 2025/2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) candidates. This new policy means that every candidate who wishes to sit for the JAMB exam must have a valid NIN before they can register. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what NIN is, how to obtain it, how to create and verify your JAMB profile using your NIN, and how to resolve any potential issues during the process.
What is NIN?
The National Identification Number (NIN) is an 11-digit unique number assigned to every Nigerian citizen by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). It serves as a unique identifier and is used to verify the identity of Nigerians across various government agencies, such as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
It’s important to note that the NIN is different from the National Identity Card, which is a physical document containing your personal information, biometric data, and NIN. Additionally, the NIN is distinct from the National Identification Slip, a temporary paper slip that includes your NIN and a barcode. While the National Identity Card is issued after completing biometric capture, the National Identification Slip is given immediately after you enroll for your NIN.
How to Get Your NIN
To obtain your NIN, you need to enroll in the National Identity Database (NIDB) at any NIMC enrollment center across the country. Alternatively, you can start the process online through the NIMC Pre-Enrollment Portal, where you will fill out an online form with your personal details and print out a summary sheet with a 2D barcode. This summary sheet should be taken to any enrollment center for biometric capture and issuance of your NIN.
For enrollment, you will need to provide supporting documents, such as your birth certificate, school certificate, driver’s license, international passport, voter’s card, or any other valid means of identification. A functional email address and phone number are also required. You can find the full list of acceptable documents on the NIMC website.
The enrollment process is free of charge and open to all Nigerians aged 16 and above. However, minors under 16 years can enroll with parental or guardian consent. After enrolling and obtaining your NIN, you can check its validity by dialing *346# on your phone or visiting the NIMC verification portal.
How to Create and Verify Your JAMB Profile with NIN
To create your JAMB profile for the 2025/2026 UTME/DE registration, send your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019—these are the official JAMB codes. For example, if your NIN is 12345678901, send “NIN 12345678901” to either 55019 or 66019. Make sure you use a working phone number registered in your name.
After sending your NIN, you will receive a confirmation message from JAMB containing your 10-digit profile code. This profile code is essential for starting your JAMB registration at any accredited CBT center. Additionally, you will need to pay a non-refundable fee of N4,000 for the UTME/DE form and N500 for the reading text.
To verify your JAMB profile with your NIN, visit the JAMB e-facility portal and log in using your registered email address and password. Click on “Check Admission Status,” then “Access my CAPS,” and finally “Admission Status” to see if you have been offered admission by any institution of your choice. You can also print your admission letter and original result slip from the portal.
How to Resolve Issues with NIN or JAMB Profile
If you encounter issues with your NIN or JAMB profile, such as not receiving your profile code, losing your profile code, mistakes in your personal details, or mismatched names or dates of birth, you can contact JAMB or NIMC for assistance.
- Contacting JAMB: Visit their official website jamb.gov.ng, send an email to [email protected], or call 08072522813, 08188840369, or 08123658955. You can also reach out on Twitter via @JAMBHQ or visit any JAMB office or CBT center near you.
- Contacting NIMC: Visit their official website nimc.gov.ng, send an email to [email protected], or call 08157691214 or 08157691071. Alternatively, you can reach out on Twitter via @nimc_ng or visit any NIMC enrollment center near you.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has clarified the JAMB NIN verification process for the 2025/2026 UTME/DE registration. If you have further questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Best of luck with your JAMB exam and admission process!
FAQs
What if I don’t have a NIN before the JAMB registration starts?
You must obtain your NIN before you can register for JAMB. Visit any NIMC enrollment center or use the NIMC Pre-Enrollment Portal to get your NIN.
Can I use someone else’s phone number to send my NIN to JAMB?
No, you must use a phone number registered in your name to avoid issues during the registration process.
What should I do if I lose my profile code?
You can retrieve your profile code by resending your NIN to 55019 or 66019.
Is there any deadline for NIN registration?
While there’s no strict deadline for NIN registration, it’s crucial to complete the process before the JAMB registration begins.