JAMB Profile Code Issues and Solutions for 2026 UTME Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has opened profile code generation for 2026 UTME and Direct Entry candidates. While the process is simple, many candidates experience issues when sending their NIN to 55019 or 66019.

This guide explains the common JAMB profile code problems candidates face, why they happen, and the exact solutions that work. If you are unable to generate your JAMB profile code or you are not getting a response after sending your NIN, this article will help you resolve it.

Every JAMB candidate must generate a profile code using a personal phone number

1. The phone number can only be used by one candidate
2. The same number will be used for all JAMB communication
3. You must have a valid NIN before generating a profile code
4. Your NIN details must be correct and active

Candidates are strongly advised to keep the phone number used safe, as it is required for ePIN retrieval, password reset, and profile recovery.

Common JAMB Profile Code Issues and Their Solutions

Below are the most frequent problems candidates encounter and how to fix each one.

NIN Sent to 55019 but No Reply or Message Not Sent

This is one of the most common complaints among candidates.

Possible Causes

1. Poor network connection
2. SIM card problem
3. Network congestion
4. Using a new or unregistered SIM
5. Using a SIM not linked to your NIN

Solution

1. Remove your SIM card and insert it into another phone, then resend the message
2. Ensure the SIM is properly registered
3. Wait and resend during off peak hours such as midnight or early morning

Phone Number Already Used by Another Candidate

Each phone number can only be used once for JAMB profile code generation.

Solution

1. Use another phone number that has never been used for JAMB
2. Ensure the new number will remain accessible throughout the admission process

Insufficient Airtime Error

Profile code generation costs fifty naira per SMS.

Solution

1. Recharge your line with at least one hundred naira before resending
2. Avoid borrowing airtime during the process

Invalid Character Found Error

This error occurs when the SMS format is incorrect.

Correct Format

NIN followed by a space and your eleven digit NIN number

Example

NIN 12345678901

Ensure there are no commas, dots, symbols, extra spaces, or punctuation.

Record Not Found for NIN

This means JAMB cannot retrieve your NIN details.

Solution

1. Confirm that the NIN you sent is correct
2. Visit a NIMC centre to verify or update your NIN

Date of Birth Invalid

This indicates an error in your NIN record.

Solution

1. Visit the NIMC office where you enrolled to correct your date of birth. This correction attracts a fee.

Missing Surname or First Name in NIN Details

Sometimes NIMC records take time to sync.

Solution

1. Wait a few days and try again. If the issue persists, visit a NIMC centre.

Your NIN Passport Is Not Valid

This is usually a temporary system issue.

Solution

1. Wait for a few days and resend your NIN

Profile Code Has Been Used by Another Number

This mainly affects returning candidates.

Solution

1. Use the original phone number and send RESEND to 55019 or 66019

JAMB will not issue a new profile code for the same candidate.

Unable to Verify Your NIN at the Moment

This usually means your phone number is not linked to your NIN.

Solution

1. Visit your network provider office to link your number to your NIN
2. You may also dial your network NIN linking code

Error Occurred 540

This is a network related issue.

Solution

1. Wait for some time and try again

Bad Request or Wrong Parameter Passed Error

This means the SMS was not sent correctly.

Solution

1. Ensure you send only NIN space your eleven digit NIN

Example: NIN 12345678912

SMS Sending Failed Error

Possible Reasons

1. Insufficient airtime
2. New or unregistered SIM
3. SIM not linked to NIN
4. Using Airtel or 9mobile during heavy traffic
5. Postpaid or promo SIM packages
6. Using a SIM previously used by another candidate

Solution

1. Ensure you have enough airtime
2. Confirm your SIM is registered and linked to your NIN
3. Try MTN or Glo if issues persist
4. Avoid postpaid or special promo lines

Using the USSD Option to Generate Profile Code

If SMS continues to fail, you can try the USSD option.

Dial 550191NIN# or 660191NIN#

Replace NIN with your eleven digit NIN number.

Temporary System or Network Issues

Sometimes the problem is not from your side.

1. This may be due to network downtime
2. JAMB or NIMC server delay
3. High traffic from candidates

Solution

1. Give it time and try again later, most temporary issues resolve on their own.

Lost the SIM Used to Generate Your Profile Code

Candidates who lost the SIM used previously cannot use another number.

Solution

1. Visit the CBT centre during registration, JAMB has provided a system at CBT centres to resolve this issue.

Message Says Request Received but No Further Response

Many candidates receive this message but never get their profile code.

Why This Happens

1. Network congestion
2. Weak signal
3. SIM not linked to NIN
4. System processing delays

What Works Best

1. Send your NIN between midnight and 5 AM
2. Ensure strong network signal
3. Recharge at least one hundred naira
4. Try another SIM linked to your NIN

Most candidates receive instant responses during off peak hours.

How to Contact NIMC for Profile Code Issues

If all solutions fail, contact NIMC directly.

Send an email to nimc-jamb2026@nimc.gov.ng

1. Your email should include
2. Your full name
3. Your NIN
4. The phone number with the issue
5. A clear explanation of the problem
6. Be polite and detailed. If there is no response after five working days, resend the email.

Recommended: JAMB Regsitration Form 2026: How to Register

How to Complain to JAMB About Profile Code Issues

1. Visit the JAMB support portal support.jamb.gov.ng
2. Create a support ticket
3. Choose Profile Code Issues
4. Provide accurate details
5. Attach screenshots if available
6. Submit and keep your transaction ID

JAMB will respond via email.

Recommended: JAMB Profile Code 2026 UTME: How to Generate, Retrieve, and Fix Common Issues

Most JAMB profile code issues are temporary and can be resolved by following the correct steps patiently. Good luck!