Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates will be able generate profile codes themselves and save such for use when registration commences in 2023.

JAMB disclosed this via its Weekly Bulletin released on Monday.

The board noted that the development was part of measures to ensure a seamless 2023 UTME registration, adding that it was part of the build-up to the commencement of the exercise, billed to start in the next couple of weeks.

It said: “Candidates are advised to get their National Identification Number (NIN), as it is a prerequisite for UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registrations.

“Candidates are required to use a unique mobile phone number for the process and such number can only be used by one candidate.

“To generate their profile codes, candidates are expected to send: NIN (one space) then their NIN number (11 digits number) by text (SMS) to either 55019 or 66019 from their personal GSM number.

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“A profile code of 10 characters will be received by the candidate on the same telephone number.”

JAMB also advised candidates to note that the phone number used to send the text message to either of the two quick codes is automatically tied to their respective names.

This, it stated, would also be used by the board in all communications relating to application, examination, and admission.

The board also urged prospective candidates to heed its strict warning against the use and application of henna, also called “Lalle”, noting that this was to avoid experiencing biometric verification challenges, as it has been established that application of henna on the fingers obstructs the process of biometric verification.

“Also, in an attempt by candidates to clean their fancy henna designs, they use chemicals that damage the whorls on their fingers, hence making biometric verification and authentication difficult, if not impossible,” it added.

JAMB further stated that its “no biometrics, no examination” policy remained effective, urging candidates to desist from any act that could jeopardise their chances of taking the UTME.

The Star