The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new National Digital Pre-Registration App (NDPA) ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The new initiative is part of the Board's efforts to make the UTME registration process faster, easier and more convenient for prospective candidates while reducing common errors associated with registration.

JAMB disclosed the development in its latest weekly bulletin following discussions and decisions reached at the Board's recently concluded Management and Information Technology Retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

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Candidates to Begin Registration Preparations on Their Phones

Under the new arrangement, prospective UTME candidates will be able to use their mobile phones to complete several important preparatory stages of the registration process before visiting a JAMB-accredited registration centre.

This means that candidates will no longer have to wait until they get to a registration centre before preparing basic information required for their UTME application.

The digital pre-registration system is designed to allow candidates to prepare information such as their proposed institutions, programmes and UTME subject combinations in advance.

After completing the necessary preliminary steps, candidates will still be required to follow JAMB's official registration procedures and complete any mandatory processes at an accredited centre where applicable.

Why JAMB Is Introducing the Digital Pre-Registration App

According to the Board, the initiative is aimed at improving the overall registration experience for prospective candidates.

The introduction of the NDPA is expected to help address some of the difficulties candidates experience during UTME registration, particularly errors arising from communication, data entry and inadequate preparation before visiting registration centres.

The initiative is also expected to make the registration process more efficient by allowing candidates to prepare important information beforehand.

JAMB's latest move follows the Board's broader efforts to use technology to improve its operations and make its services more candidate-friendly.

Candidates Can Make Course and Subject Choices on Their Phones

One of the notable features associated with the new digital pre-registration arrangement is the ability of prospective candidates to make important academic choices from their mobile devices before proceeding to an accredited registration centre.

Prepare yourself, practise UTME, WAEC, NECO & POST-UTME on your PC or mobile phone

Candidates are expected to have the opportunity to prepare their preferred institutions, programmes and UTME subject combinations ahead of the formal registration process.

This could help candidates spend less time at registration centres and reduce mistakes that may occur when candidates attempt to make such decisions hurriedly during registration.

Candidates are, however, advised to carefully verify their choices before submitting them, as mistakes in course, institution or subject selections can have serious consequences during the admission process.

The App Does Not Mean Candidates Should Register Anywhere

The introduction of the digital pre-registration app should not be interpreted as an indication that candidates can completely bypass JAMB's approved registration channels.

JAMB's existing registration framework requires candidates to complete the official registration process through JAMB-accredited Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres.

The Board has consistently advised candidates to avoid unauthorised registration agents and individuals who claim to have special access to JAMB's registration system.

Candidates should therefore wait for JAMB to publish the official guidelines for the 2027 UTME and follow only instructions released through the Board's recognised channels.

Candidates Should Keep Their Personal Details Secure

With more registration activities moving into the digital space, candidates should also pay attention to the security of their personal information.

JAMB has previously warned candidates to keep their profile codes, passwords, e-mail addresses, e-PINs and other security information confidential.

Candidates should not hand over sensitive account information to strangers or unauthorised individuals claiming to assist them with JAMB registration.

The Board's existing guidance also states that candidates must use a unique mobile number for their JAMB transactions. JAMB's official FAQ explains that the same mobile number cannot be used by two candidates for registration.

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What Prospective 2027 UTME Candidates Should Do Now

Although the full registration timetable and detailed operational guidelines for the 2027 UTME are expected to be communicated by JAMB, prospective candidates can begin preparing by:

• Getting their National Identification Number (NIN) ready.


• Maintaining access to a personal and functional phone number.


• Preparing a valid personal e-mail address.


• Carefully researching their preferred institutions and programmes.


• Checking the UTME subject requirements for their intended courses.


• Keeping their academic information and relevant documents available.


• Avoiding unofficial agents and fraudulent registration platforms.


• Waiting for JAMB's official announcement on the availability and approved use of the NDPA.

Candidates should also ensure that the information they eventually provide during registration agrees with their official documents.

JAMB Continues Its Digital Transformation

The National Digital Pre-Registration App represents another step in JAMB's continuing use of technology to improve the UTME registration and examination process.

In previous registration exercises, candidates have had to provide information such as their choice of institutions and programmes, UTME subjects, examination town preferences and academic qualifications during the registration process. JAMB's official 2026 registration guidelines also required candidates to complete biometric authentication at accredited CBT centres.

The new pre-registration approach could make the process more organised by allowing candidates to prepare some of this information before arriving at the registration centre.

Important Notice to 2027 UTME Candidates

Prospective candidates should note that the announcement concerns the 2027 UTME, which is associated with admission into the 2027/2028 academic session.

It should not be confused with the 2026 UTME registration exercise for the 2026/2027 academic session, which had already taken place earlier in 2026. JAMB's published 2026 guidelines placed the UTME registration period between January 26 and February 28, 2026.

Candidates should therefore be careful when sharing information about the new application and avoid presenting it as a new registration process for the 2026/2027 admission exercise.

Conclusion

The introduction of the National Digital Pre-Registration App (NDPA) marks a significant development in JAMB's approach to UTME registration.

By allowing prospective candidates to prepare important registration information from their mobile phones before visiting accredited centres, the Board hopes to make the process more convenient, faster and less prone to errors.

Prospective 2027 UTME candidates are advised to stay updated through JAMB's official communication channels and EduXpress for further information on the app, registration dates, eligibility requirements, fees and other official guidelines as they are released.

EduXpress will continue to provide updates on the 2027 JAMB UTME registration exercise and other important admission-related developments.