Steps to Take Before Registering for 2027 UTME

Prospective candidates for the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are being advised to organize their personal information, choice of course, preferred institution, and subject combinations before registration begins. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released a six-point preparation checklist to help candidates avoid errors that could affect their admission prospects. This advisory is crucial for thousands of candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

One of the first steps candidates should take is to ensure their personal information with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is accurate. Details such as full names, date of birth, and other biodata should be checked carefully before registration. JAMB uses information obtained from the National Identification Number (NIN) database to generate candidates' profiles and process their applications. A discrepancy between a candidate's NIN information and other academic or personal documents could create difficulties during registration and subsequent admission processes.

Candidates should also obtain a functional phone number that they can access throughout the registration and admission process. JAMB requires candidates to generate a profile code using their NIN through SMS. The profile code generated through this process is required for subsequent registration transactions. Candidates should avoid using phone numbers belonging to friends, relatives, or other individuals and keep the SIM card safe and active.

Having a functional email address is also essential for the registration process and may be required for receiving admission-related information, accessing JAMB services, and managing application records. Candidates who do not already have an email account should create one before registration begins. However, having an email address is not enough; they must remember the password and ensure they can access the account whenever necessary.

Choosing a course of study is one of the most important decisions candidates must make before registering for UTME. Candidates should consider their academic strengths, interests, career ambitions, and the entry requirements of their preferred programmes. Some programmes require particular subjects at O'Level and specific UTME subject combinations. A candidate who fails to meet these requirements may find it difficult to secure admission, even after obtaining a competitive UTME score.

After deciding on a course, candidates should identify the institutions offering the programme and compare their admission requirements. The choice of institution should not be based solely on reputation or proximity to the candidate's home. Other factors worth considering include the institution's approved programmes, admission requirements, tuition and other charges, location, available facilities, and the general cost of studying there.

Finally, candidates should understand JAMB's choice-of-institution arrangement and the implications of selecting an institution as first or subsequent choice. Although registration details, including the official commencement date and applicable fees for the 2027 exercise, are yet to be announced, candidates can begin preparations by resolving issues relating to their biodata and admission choices. The Board has previously warned that candidates who complete registration with incorrect biodata may face difficulties obtaining corrections afterwards.

Key points

• Verify your NIN and personal information to avoid discrepancies during registration and admission processes.
• Choose a course of study that aligns with your academic strengths, interests, and career ambitions.
• Select a preferred institution carefully, considering factors beyond reputation and proximity.