The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of JAMB Profile Code creation ahead of the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration exercises.
According to the board, every candidate intending to participate in the 2026 JAMB UTME or Direct Entry registration must generate a valid JAMB Profile Code before proceeding with any other registration steps.
Without this profile code, candidates will not be able to purchase the JAMB e-PIN or complete their registration at accredited CBT centres.
This page explains how to create a JAMB profile code, including its meaning, purpose, requirements, step-by-step creation process, and solutions to common issues encountered during profile code generation.
What is a JAMB Profile Code
A JAMB Profile Code is a unique 10-digit number issued by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to every candidate who intends to register for UTME or Direct Entry (DE).
This code serves as a candidate’s unique identity throughout the entire JAMB process, starting from registration and examination to admission and CAPS processing. As a result, each profile code is strictly personal and non-transferable.
During JAMB registration, candidates are required to present their JAMB Profile Code, along with their JAMB e-PIN, at any accredited JAMB CBT centre. This combination enables the CBT centre to access the candidate’s records and complete the registration successfully.
Meaning of JAMB Profile Code
The JAMB Profile Code represents a candidate’s complete personal record on the JAMB database. It acts as a digital folder where all candidate-related information is stored and accessed.
Once generated, the profile code links essential details such as the candidate’s name, date of birth, National Identification Number (NIN), phone number, examination data, results, and admission status under one profile.
Due to this linkage, any error in personal details during NIN registration may impact the creation or use of the JAMB Profile Code. Therefore, candidates must ensure that their NIN information is accurate and consistent.
Purpose of Creating a JAMB Profile Code
The primary purpose of the JAMB Profile Code is to uniquely identify each candidate within the JAMB system. It helps JAMB to:
- Link a candidate’s NIN and personal data to their examination records
- Prevent multiple registrations and impersonation
- Ensure accurate processing of UTME and Direct Entry applications
- Track candidates during admission, result checking, and CAPS processes
In addition, candidates must be physically present during registration to complete biometric verification. This requirement ensures proper identity confirmation and prevents fraudulent registrations.
Importance of JAMB Profile Code
The JAMB Profile Code plays relevant roles in the JAMB registration and admission process.
- It is mandatory to purchase the JAMB e-PIN.
- It is required for UTME and Direct Entry registration at accredited CBT centres.
- It is used for checking JAMB results and admission status.
- It enables access to JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System).
- It serves as a permanent identity number for candidates in future JAMB exercises.
Most importantly, without a valid JAMB Profile Code, a candidate cannot complete JAMB registration successfully under any circumstance.
Requirements for Creating a JAMB Profile Code
To successfully generate a JAMB Profile Code, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- A personal and active mobile phone number (SIM card)
- Sufficient airtime of at least ₦50 on the phone number.
- Correct personal details registered with NIMC.
Meeting these requirements in advance helps to avoid errors, delays, or failed profile code generation.
What is NIN?
The National Identification Number (NIN) is a unique 11-digit number issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to Nigerian citizens and legal residents.
It serves as a national means of identification and is required for several government-related services, including JAMB registration. Without a valid NIN, candidates cannot create a JAMB Profile Code.
To obtain a NIN, candidates must enroll at any NIMC registration centre nationwide, where personal information and biometrics such as fingerprints and facial capture are collected. After successful enrollment, the NIN is issued either on a slip or through the NIMC mobile application.
Steps to Create JAMB Profile Code with NIN for 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Registration
The JAMB Profile Code is a mandatory 10-digit number required for registering for the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry (DE) in Nigeria.
It links each candidate’s National Identification Number (NIN) to JAMB and serves as a permanent identification for all JAMB-related activities.
Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create a JAMB profile code using your NIN.
Step 1: Ensure You Have a Valid NIN
- Before generating a JAMB Profile Code, you must have a valid NIN issued by NIMC.
- If you do not have a NIN, visit a NIMC registration centre to enroll.
- During enrollment, your personal information and biometrics will be captured.
- After registration, you will receive your 11-digit NIN, which is required for JAMB registration.
Step 2: Use a Personal and Active Mobile Phone
- You must use a personal and active mobile phone number that is linked to your NIN.
JAMB uses this phone number to send your profile code and other registration updates. Therefore, ensure the SIM card belongs to you and is fully functional.
Also, confirm that the phone number has sufficient airtime to send the required SMS successfully.
Step 3: Send SMS to Generate Profile Code
To create your JAMB Profile Code:
- Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
- Type a message in this format: NIN [space] Your 11-digit NIN (Example: NIN 12345678901)
- Send the SMS to 55019 or 66019, which are the official JAMB short codes.
- Wait for the SMS reply from JAMB containing your 10-digit Profile Code.
Note: Ensure your NIN details are correct and your phone is active. Also, disable Do-Not-Disturb (DND) if necessary to receive the SMS.
Step 4: Keep the Profile Code Safe
After receiving your Profile Code:
- Save it securely on your phone or write it down.
- You will need it for purchasing the JAMB e-PIN, registration, result checking, and admission processes.
- Since the code is permanent, you do not need to generate it again unless there is a data issue.
Step 5: Proceed to JAMB Registration
Once you have your Profile Code:
- Purchase a JAMB e-PIN from an accredited bank, dealer, or online platform.
- Use the Profile Code and e-PIN to complete your UTME or Direct Entry registration at a JAMB CBT centre.
- Carefully verify all details before final submission to avoid errors that may delay admission.
How to Register for JAMB for the First Time
First-time candidates should follow the steps below to complete their JAMB registration:
- Create an email address at Gmail.com and obtain a valid personal SIM card.
- Proceed to register for NIN at any NIMC office.
- Generate your JAMB Profile Code via SMS using your NIN and SIM.
- Visit any nearest bank or retailer outlet, such as Remita, to purchase your JAMB e-PIN using your Profile Code.
- Go to any accredited JAMB CBT centre to complete your registration using your Profile Code, email, NIN, and phone number.
JAMB Biometric Instructions to Candidates
Candidates registering for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry must strictly follow JAMB’s biometric instructions to ensure a smooth registration process.
The biometric exercise links a candidate’s NIN and JAMB Profile Code to their personal data, thereby preventing impersonation and identity fraud during examinations and admissions.
During registration, candidates must submit their Profile Code at accredited CBT centres, where facial recognition and fingerprint capture will be conducted and stored securely in the JAMB database.
Candidates must also ensure that all personal details used for NIN registration are correct, as discrepancies may cause errors or delays during JAMB registration.
How to Register for JAMB as a Returning Candidate
Returning candidates should note that their previously used Profile Code, email address, and phone number remain valid for future JAMB registrations.
Therefore, returning candidates should follow the steps below using their existing credentials:
- Visit any bank or approved retailer to purchase the JAMB e-PIN using your Profile Code.
- Proceed to any accredited JAMB CBT centre with your e-PIN, Profile Code, email, and phone number to complete registration.
In cases of lost Profile Code or forgotten NIN, candidates can retrieve these details using the same phone number originally used for registration.
For lost phone numbers, candidates must retrieve or reactivate the SIM, as the number is permanently tied to the JAMB database.
How to Retrieve Forgotten NIN
To retrieve a forgotten NIN, simply dial *346# on the mobile phone number used during NIN registration. Follow the on-screen prompts to display your NIN.
This service works on major networks such as MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, although service charges may apply.
Candidates should keep their NIN safe after retrieval, as it is required for JAMB registration and other official processes.
How to Retrieve an Old Profile Code
Candidates who have generated a JAMB Profile Code in previous years do not need to create a new one. The same code remains valid.
To retrieve an old Profile Code, send NIN [space] your 11-digit NIN to 55019 using the same phone number originally used.
Shortly after, JAMB will resend your Profile Code via SMS. This code remains usable for subsequent registrations as long as the same NIN and phone number are maintained.
How to Recover Lost Profile Code
If you previously generated a Profile Code but misplaced it, recovery is simple and fast.
Using the same phone number linked to your JAMB profile, send the word RESEND to 55019 via SMS.
Your Profile Code will be resent automatically. Always store it securely, as it is required for e-PIN purchase and registration completion.
How to Purchase JAMB e-Pin with Profile Code
To purchase a JAMB e-PIN using your Profile Code, follow these steps:
- Ensure you have generated your Profile Code by sending NIN (space) your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019.
- Confirm receipt of your Profile Code via SMS before proceeding.
- Visit any approved JAMB e-PIN sales point such as:
i. Banks
ii. Mobile Money Operators (MMOs)
iii. Microfinance Banks (MFBs)
iv. Accredited CBT Centres
v. Online platforms such as Remita - Provide your Profile Code to the sales agent or enter it correctly online.
- Pay the official JAMB fee for the category of e-PIN you wish to purchase.
- After payment, your e-PIN will be sent via SMS or printed, depending on the method used.
- Store the e-PIN safely for registration.
- Take your Profile Code, e-PIN, and NIN to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete registration.
How to Recover Lost UTME e-Pin
If your JAMB e-PIN was not received or has been lost, retrieval is easy. Simply send [UTMEPIN] from the phone number used during purchase to 55019 or 66019.
Once retrieved, confirm the e-PIN and proceed to any JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete your registration without delay.
JAMB Common Profile Code Errors and Fixes
Candidates whose NIN contains errors in their name, date of birth, or other personal details are strongly advised to correct such issues immediately. Early correction ensures that all changes reflect on the JAMB system before the registration window officially opens.
This correction process is necessary because all personal information used for UTME and Direct Entry registration is sourced directly from the NIMC database. Therefore, any discrepancy on the NIN record automatically affects profile code generation.
In addition, the wording arrangement used when creating a profile code matter because it is CASE SENSITIVE. As a result, even a minor formatting error can cause the short code to reject the request.
All possible errors have been carefully analyzed below, along with practical solutions, to ensure candidates successfully generate their profile code and complete UTME or Direct Entry registration without issues.
No Response or Failed NIN SMS Error
To resolve this error, candidates are required to insert their SIM card into a different mobile phone and resend the SMS to 55019 or 66019. This often helps eliminate device-related message delivery issues.
Additionally, candidates are advised to ensure that their SIM card has at least ₦50 airtime, as an insufficient balance may prevent the SMS from being sent successfully.
Once these steps are followed correctly, the system usually responds with the profile code shortly after.
Insufficient Balance for Profile Code Generation
To fix the insufficient balance error during JAMB profile code creation, candidates must ensure their phone line is adequately recharged.
It is mandatory for candidates to maintain a minimum airtime balance of ₦50 before attempting to create a profile code.
An insufficient airtime balance will trigger a pin-back error message, preventing the successful generation of the profile code.
Unable to Deduct SMS Charges from SIM
When SMS charges cannot be deducted, candidates should first confirm that their SIM card has enough airtime credit.
Candidates are advised not to use post-paid lines or special SMS bundle packages, as these often fail unless standard airtime credit is loaded.
If the error persists, candidates should retry during peak hours or attempt profile code generation using another SIM card properly linked to their NIN.
Phone Number Already Used By Another Candidate
This error indicates that the phone number has previously been used to generate a JAMB profile code.
Candidates experiencing this issue should retrieve their existing profile code by texting “RESEND” to 55019 or 66019 using the original phone number.
It is important to note that no two candidates can use the same phone number to create a profile code. The phone number used is permanently tied to the candidate and serves as JAMB’s official contact line.
Profile Code Already Linked to Another Number
When a profile code is already linked to another number, candidates should text “RESEND” to 55019 or 66019 using the original phone number.
This action retrieves the previously generated profile code associated with that number.
Once retrieved, the same profile code can be used for subsequent JAMB registrations.
Number Already Registered
The “number already registered” error means the phone number has been linked to an existing JAMB profile.
According to JAMB regulations, one phone number cannot be used by more than one candidate.
To resolve this issue, candidates must use a new SIM card that has not been previously registered with JAMB to request a new profile code.
NIN Record Not Found Error
To fix this error, candidates are expected to carefully recheck the NIN digits sent to 55019 or 66019 to ensure accuracy.
If the error persists after resending the SMS, candidates must visit a NIMC office for proper NIN verification.
This ensures the NIN record becomes visible on the JAMB system.
Inaccurate Date of Birth in NIN Record
If an inaccurate date of birth appears in the NIN record, the candidate must visit the nearest NIMC office for correction.
All necessary corrections must be completed before proceeding with JAMB registration.
This is essential because all personal details used for UTME and Direct Entry registration are automatically sourced from the NIMC database.
Invalid Characters Detected in SMS
To resolve this error, candidates should recheck both the format and content of the SMS sent to 55019 or 66019.
The correct format is: “NIN [space] 11-digit NIN”, without punctuation marks or extra symbols.
Candidates should also note that the word “NIN” must be typed in capital letters, as the command is case sensitive.
Missing Surname or First Name in NIN Record
When a missing surname or first name error occurs, candidates are advised to retry after a few days.
If the error continues, candidates must visit the nearest NIMC office for proper record correction.
Once corrected, profile code creation usually proceeds successfully.
NIN Unrecognized Error
To fix the NIN unrecognized error, candidates are required to visit a NIMC office for verification.
After verification, candidates can retry creating their JAMB profile code using the approved SMS method.
This process ensures the NIN is properly validated on the national database.
Issue With NIN Passport
Candidates encountering passport-related issues should wait for some time and retry the process.
If the error persists, candidates must visit the nearest NIMC office for resolution.
Once corrected, the system will allow successful profile code generation.
Unable to Verify NIN Details
Candidates should first confirm that the NIN is linked to the same phone number used to send the SMS and that the NIN digits were entered correctly.
To verify linkage, candidates should dial *346# on the phone number used for profile code creation.
If records were recently updated, candidates should wait 24 to 72 hours before retrying. In cases of NIN not linked, candidates must use the phone number used during NIN registration. If issues persist, visiting a NIMC office is required.
Network 540 Error Code
The Network 540 error usually indicates temporary congestion on the mobile network or JAMB service platform.
Candidates are advised to retry later, preferably during off-peak hours such as early morning or late night.
Ensuring a strong network signal and sufficient airtime also helps. If unresolved, switching to another NIN-linked network line often fixes the issue.
Wrong Parameters Entered
This error occurs when required details are not entered in the correct format.
Candidates should carefully re-enter all information, paying attention to spacing, order, and the exact number of NIN digits.
Even a minor error, such as an extra space or a missing digit, can trigger this issue. Once corrected, the request typically goes through.
Wrong Command Provided
This error means the SMS command sent does not match JAMB’s approved format.
Candidates should resend the SMS using the official command exactly as specified, without abbreviations.
Once sent from the NIN-linked phone number with sufficient airtime, the system should process the request successfully.
How to Contact JAMB Support for Profile Code Issues
If a candidate has tried all recommended solutions and still cannot generate a JAMB profile code, the next step is to contact JAMB directly or visit the nearest JAMB state office or accredited CBT centre for assistance.
For all complaints related to JAMB processes, including NIN and profile code issues, candidates must create a support ticket through the official JAMB website at www.jamb.gov.ng.
This can be done by selecting Quicklinks, then Ticket/Support, submitting a valid email address registered with JAMB, providing personal details, selecting the appropriate complaint category, and clearly describing the issue. Complaints from third parties are acknowledged but not treated.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Below are frequently asked questions and answers to guide candidates on how to create a JAMB profile code successfully.
- How do I Create a JAMB Profile Code?
You can create a JAMB profile code by sending your 11-digit NIN via SMS in the format NIN (space) Your NIN to 55019 or 66019 using your NIN-linked phone number. - Why is 55019 not Sending My Profile Code?
This may be due to insufficient airtime, poor network, congestion, or an unlinked SIM. Retrying later or using 66019 often resolves it. - Can I Register for JAMB Without a Profile Code?
No. A profile code is mandatory for purchasing the JAMB e-PIN and completing registration. - How much does it cost to generate a Profile Code?
Profile code generation costs ₦50, deducted directly from your airtime balance. - Why Can’t I Create My Profile Code?
Common reasons include incorrect NIN details, wrong SMS format, unlinked SIM, network issues, or insufficient airtime. - Can I Use My Old Profile Code to Register for JAMB Again?
Yes. Your profile code remains valid for future registrations if your details are unchanged. - What Number Do I Text to Get My Profile Code?
Text 55019 or 66019 using your NIN-linked phone number. - Can I Generate a Profile Code with Another Number?
No. Only the phone number linked to your NIN can be used. - What If I Lost My Old Profile Code?
You can resend your NIN to 55019 or 66019 from the same phone number to retrieve it.
Conclusion
Creating a JAMB Profile Code is the first important step for a successful UTME or Direct Entry registration. Understanding how to create a JAMB profile code, the required steps, and the common errors ensures that candidates avoid delays and unnecessary stress during registration.
As all registration data is sourced directly from the NIMC database, candidates must ensure their NIN records are accurate and their phone numbers are properly linked. Addressing errors early significantly increases the chances of smooth registration and admission processing.
Following the outlined steps, fixing common errors promptly, and using the official JAMB support channels, when necessary, will ensure that candidates easily complete their profile code creation and proceed to register for JAMB successfully.
