Before you can buy a UTME or Direct Entry e-PIN, you need a JAMB profile code. JAMB creates your profile from your National Identification Number (NIN), so the details on your NIN record become the details on your JAMB record. Getting this step right saves a lot of trouble later.
What you need
- Your 11-digit NIN.
- A phone number you will keep for the next few years. JAMB links it to your profile and sends updates to it.
- Enough airtime for the SMS charge.
Step 1: Check your NIN details first
Before you send anything, confirm that your name, date of birth and gender on your NIN record are correct and spelt exactly as on your O’Level certificate and birth certificate. If there is an error, correct it with NIMC first. JAMB will copy whatever is on your NIN.
Step 2: Send your NIN to JAMB by SMS
- From the phone number you want to use, type NIN, a space, and your 11-digit NIN. Example:
NIN 12345678901 - Send it to 55019 or 66019.
- You will receive a 10-character profile code by SMS.
Write the profile code down and keep the SMS. You will need it to buy your e-PIN.
Step 3: Buy your e-PIN
Use your profile code to buy the UTME or Direct Entry e-PIN through approved payment channels when JAMB opens registration. In 2026, e-PIN vending ran from 19 January to 26 February. See our 2027 UTME preview for the expected timeline and the 2026 prices.
Step 4: Register at a CBT centre
Take your NIN and e-PIN to an accredited CBT centre for registration and biometric capture.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| No reply after sending the SMS | Check that you have airtime and that the message format is exactly NIN + space + number. Wait a few minutes and try once more. |
| “NIN not found” or invalid | Confirm the number with NIMC. Recently issued NINs can take time to sync. |
| Lost the profile code | Send RESEND to 55019 or 66019 from the same phone number. |
| Name on NIN is wrong | Correct it with NIMC before registering, or you’ll carry the error into your JAMB and admission records. |
| Phone number already used | Each phone number can be linked to only one profile. Use your own line. |
Tips
- Use your own SIM card, not a parent’s or a friend’s.
- Don’t create a second profile. Multiple registration is not allowed.
- Do this early, before registration opens, so problems can be fixed in time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an email address?
Yes. You’ll need a working email address during registration and for the JAMB e-Facility portal later.
Can I create my profile before registration opens?
JAMB usually activates profile creation when registration starts. Prepare your NIN and phone number in advance.
