The Joint Admission Matriculation Board has announced that 2,243,816 candidates successfully registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across Nigeria and selected foreign centres.
According to the examination body, the 2026 UTME is scheduled to begin on April 16, 2026, with millions of candidates competing for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
The newly released statistics also show which states recorded the highest and lowest UTME registrations in Nigeria.
Lagos, Kaduna, and Abuja Record Highest UTME Registrations
Among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos State recorded the highest number of candidates with 321,814 registrations.
This is followed by Kaduna State with 303,498 candidates and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) with 302,963 candidates.
Other states with high registration figures include:
- Ogun – 137,156
- Oyo – 122,662
- Rivers – 105,584
- Kano – 83,167
- Delta – 77,670
Education observers say the high numbers reflect the growing demand for tertiary education in Nigeria.
States With the Lowest UTME Registrations
Some states recorded relatively lower numbers of UTME candidates.
For instance, Zamfara State recorded the lowest registration with 14,841 candidates, followed by:
- Ebonyi – 19,662
- Sokoto – 20,243
- Yobe – 20,583
Analysts say differences in population size, school enrollment levels, and access to CBT centres may contribute to the variations.
Full List of UTME Registrations by State
Below is the official breakdown released by JAMB:
- Abia – 44,394
- Adamawa – 31,321
- Akwa Ibom – 47,079
- Anambra – 34,787
- Bauchi – 27,963
- Bayelsa – 27,245
- Benue – 60,860
- Borno – 33,483
- Cross River – 34,605
- Delta – 77,670
- Ebonyi – 19,662
- Edo – 59,605
- Ekiti – 31,643
- Enugu – 50,305
- FCT (Abuja) – 302,963
- Gombe – 23,012
- Imo – 42,170
- Jigawa – 28,166
- Kaduna – 303,498
- Kano – 83,167
- Katsina – 37,973
- Kebbi – 36,533
- Kogi – 46,783
- Kwara – 64,988
- Lagos – 321,814
- Nasarawa – 65,739
- Niger – 47,679
- Ogun – 137,156
- Ondo – 66,270
- Osun – 64,894
- Oyo – 122,662
- Plateau – 62,440
- Rivers – 105,584
- Sokoto – 20,243
- Taraba – 38,093
- Yobe – 20,583
- Zamfara – 14,841
UTME Registrations Also Recorded Abroad
JAMB also confirmed that candidates registered from several countries outside Nigeria.
The foreign registrations include:
- Burkina Faso – 14
- Cameroon – 11
- Côte d’Ivoire – 32
- Equatorial Guinea – 16
- Gambia – 3
- Ghana – 5
- Republic of Benin – 7
- Saudi Arabia – 10
- South Africa – 5
- United Kingdom – 12
This shows the growing number of Nigerian students abroad participating in the UTME process.
JAMB Uncovers AI Fraud Syndicate Targeting Candidates
Meanwhile, the Registrar of JAMB, , revealed that the Board recently uncovered a fraud syndicate using AI-generated images and videos of senior officials to deceive candidates.
The group allegedly operated an online platform promising:
- score inflation
- direct system upgrades
- VIP assistance for UTME candidates
Investigations showed that more than 120 candidates had already paid the fraud network before the scheme was discovered.
The Registrar said the Board has obtained approval from the to delete at least 100 UTME registrations linked to the illegal operation.
Intense Competition Expected for University Admission
With over 2.24 million candidates registered, the 2026 UTME is expected to be one of the most competitive admission cycles in Nigeria.
Each year, only a portion of UTME candidates secure admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, making the examination a major academic gateway for millions of students.
JAMB has advised candidates to avoid fraudulent services and focus on proper preparation ahead of the April examination.