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Moves registration to candidates’ phones
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the introduction of a National Digital Pre-Registration App (NDPA) ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This was contained in JAMB’s weekly bulletin released on Monday in Abuja, as part of measures adopted by the Board to make the 2027 UTME registration exercise faster, easier and less prone to errors.
JAMB said the initiative means that prospective candidates would be allowed to prepare for registration from the comfort of their homes.
It further disclosed that the app was unveiled as part of initiatives announced at JAMB’s recently concluded Management and Information Technology Retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, where modalities for the conduct of the 2027 UTME were deliberated.
“Under the new arrangement, candidates will be able to use their phones to research, learn, discuss and plan their registration choices before visiting an accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Professional Registration Centre (PRC),” it explained.
JAMB said the objective was to transform registration centres from the first point of engagement with candidates into final verification points.
The Board explained that candidates would use the app to make important decisions ahead of their physical registration, including course and programme selection, eligibility checks, subject combinations, personal data verification and admission requirements.
It said particular attention would be given to verification of candidates’ personal information, including National Identification Number (NIN) details downloaded from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
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According to JAMB, the app has been designed to work on different types of mobile phones, with or without an active data connection, while incorporating a scanning function capable of identifying and preventing common errors.
“Candidates will, after completing the preparatory stage, proceed to accredited registration centres to complete the official registration process and undergo the required verification,” it explained.
The Board stressed that the NDPA would not replace the official UTME registration process at accredited centres, but would serve as a preparatory digital environment where candidates could make informed decisions and arrive at registration centres better prepared.
JAMB said the initiative was also expected to reduce mistakes arising from candidates making hurried decisions under pressure during registration.
The Board further noted that the new system would provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to play a more active role in the registration process, particularly in helping candidates make appropriate choices.
It expressed optimism that the initiative would reduce subsequent requests for changes of course, institution and subject combinations, as well as other post-registration corrections.
JAMB said the pre-registration app would complement other digital facilities being deployed by the Board, including biometric verification, online payments and integrated services.
The initiative, it added, was part of its continued efforts to improve the efficiency, integrity and accessibility of the UTME registration process while providing better services to candidates.
With the new arrangement, candidates are expected to complete much of the decision-making and preparation for registration before physically visiting an accredited centre, potentially reducing congestion and the time spent completing registration.
