JAMB 2026: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid During NIN Verification and Profile Creation
If you are seeing errors with your NIN verification or you haven’t started the process yet, you need to be careful. In this guide, we’re breaking down the 5 critical mistakes currently causing heartbreaks for 2026 UTME/DE candidates and the exact steps you must take to ensure your registration is 100% successful.
Don't let a ₦50 SMS stand between you and your dream course. Let’s get into it.
1. Using a Phone Number Linked to Another Person
The Mistake: Using a SIM card that was previously used by a sibling or friend for their own JAMB registration.
The Consequence: JAMB will link your NIN to their old profile, making it nearly impossible to register your own details.
The Fix: Use a fresh SIM card or one that has never been used for JAMB before. Ensure the SIM is registered in your name to avoid recovery issues later.
2. Sending the SMS Format with Errors
The Mistake: Adding extra spaces or misspelling "NIN" in the SMS to 55019 or 66019.
The Consequence: You will be charged ₦50 for the SMS, but you won't receive a profile code.
The Fix: Use this exact format: NIN 12345678901 (Type the word NIN, one space, then your 11-digit NIN). Do not add a full stop at the end.
Check Our Previous Post JAMB Registration for 2026 UTME Officially Begins
3. Ignoring Errors on Your NIN Before Generating the Code
The Mistake: Thinking you can "correct" your name or date of birth after you’ve already generated your JAMB Profile Code.
The Consequence: Once you generate that 10-character code, JAMB "locks" the data it pulls from NIMC. Even if you fix your NIN later at a NIMC office, your JAMB profile will still show the old, wrong information.
The Fix: Check your NIN details on the NIMC Mobile App first. If your name is spelled wrong or your birthday is off, fix it at NIMC before you send the SMS to JAMB.
4. Using a SIM with "Post-paid" or Special Bundles
The Mistake: Attempting to send the NIN SMS using a "Post-paid" line or a SIM that only has data/voice bundles but no actual airtime.
The Consequence: The SMS will fail to send, or the shortcode won't be able to deduct the ₦50 service fee.
The Fix: Ensure you have at least ₦100 airtime on your main balance (not bonus) before sending the request.
5. Sharing an Email Address with Other Candidates
The Mistake: Using a general "Cyber Cafe" email or the same email address as a friend.
The Consequence: Your email is your unique digital identity for life with JAMB. Sharing it can lead to your admission being "swapped" or losing access to your CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System).
The Fix: Create a brand new Gmail address specifically for your 2026 JAMB journey. Write down the password in a safe place!
Quick Stats for your Blog Post:
- Registration Start Date: January 26, 2026
- Registration Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Profile Code SMS Cost: ₦50
- Official Shortcodes: 55019 or 66019
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use my parent’s phone number to generate my JAMB Profile Code?
A: No. JAMB strictly advises that every candidate uses a unique phone number. This number will be tied to your name forever and will be used for your admission letters, CAPS login, and result checking. Using a shared number will cause data conflicts.
Q2: I sent the SMS but I didn't get a reply. What should I do?
A: First, check if you have at least ₦50 airtime (not bonus) on your SIM. If you have airtime and still haven't received a code after 24 hours, try sending the message to the alternative shortcode 66019.
Q3: What should I do if my name is misspelled on my Profile Code?
A: JAMB pulls your data directly from the NIMC (NIN) database. If the name is wrong, do not proceed with registration. Visit a NIMC office to correct your data first. Once NIMC updates it, you can resend the code request.
Q4: Can I use the same email address I used last year?
A: It is highly recommended to use a fresh email address for each new academic year to avoid "login loops" or technical errors on the JAMB portal.
Q5: I lost the SIM card I used for my Profile Code. Can I use another one?
A: This is a major mistake! If you lose your SIM, you must welcome it back (retrieve it) at your service provider's office. Your profile is already tied to that specific number.
"Are you having trouble generating your profile code or getting an 'Invalid NIN' error? Drop your questions in the comment section below, and our team at Unique Campus will help you troubleshoot it immediately
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