The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration process has begun, and one of the critical steps for candidates to participate is generating their JAMB profile code. This code is an essential requirement for completing the UTME registration process. To obtain a profile code, candidates must first send their National Identification Number (NIN) to the designated shortcodes, 55019 or 66019, via SMS. However, many candidates have been facing various issues while trying to create their profile codes. If you are among those struggling to complete this registration step, don’t worry. This comprehensive guide explains the common problems that candidates are encountering and provides detailed solutions to ensure a smooth process for generating your JAMB profile code.
1. SMS Sending Failures – A Barrier to Profile Code Creation
One of the most widespread issues candidates face when trying to send their NIN to 55019 or 66019 is the failure of the SMS to go through. This could be due to several factors, and identifying the root cause will help resolve the issue efficiently.
Causes of SMS Sending Failures:
- Insufficient Airtime: One of the most common reasons candidates experience issues when sending their NIN to 55019 or 66019 is insufficient airtime. Without a minimum balance of N50 on your phone, the message cannot be sent, resulting in failure to generate a profile code.
- New SIM Cards: If you are using a newly activated SIM card, you may encounter problems because it hasn’t been fully registered in the system. New SIM cards often face activation delays, and this can prevent them from successfully sending SMS messages.
- Network-Specific Issues: Candidates using certain networks such as Airtel or 9mobile have reported consistent problems with sending SMS to 55019 or 66019. If you’re experiencing SMS failures and you’re on one of these networks, consider switching to MTN or Glo, as they have proven to be more reliable for this process.
- SIM Restrictions or Usage History: If your SIM card was previously used to generate a profile code for someone else, it may no longer be eligible for use in your registration. In such cases, the system will reject the SIM, and you will need to use a different one.
- Unlinked Phone Number: Your phone number must be linked to your NIN. If this link is not established or updated in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database, you will not be able to send your NIN to the JAMB shortcodes.
- Incorrect or Incomplete NIN: When entering your NIN, ensure that the number is complete and correctly input. Mistakes such as missing digits or typing errors will result in an error, and your SMS will fail.
- Multiple Numbers for the Same NIN: Attempting to generate multiple profile codes using the same NIN from different phone numbers is a practice that could trigger the system to flag your request as invalid.
- Special Network Packages or Restrictions: Special network packages, such as postpaid plans, promotional bundles, or Do Not Disturb (DND) settings, may block or delay the delivery of SMS messages. Before attempting to send your NIN, ensure that such features are disabled.
Solutions to SMS Failures:
- Ensure Sufficient Airtime: Always ensure you have at least N50 in airtime before attempting to send your NIN.
- Verify SIM Card Registration: If you’re using a new SIM card, ensure it is fully registered and activated. You can check with your network provider to confirm this.
- Switch Networks if Necessary: If you’re on Airtel or 9mobile, and facing repeated failures, try using an MTN or Glo network, as they are typically more reliable for sending registration SMS.
- Check Your SIM’s Usage History: If the SIM card you’re using has been used to generate a profile code before, try using a different number to ensure successful registration.
- Verify NIN and Phone Number Link: Double-check that your phone number is properly linked to your NIN by visiting a NIMC center if necessary.
- Correct Input Format: Ensure that the NIN is entered correctly and completely. Do not omit any digits or add extra spaces.
- Avoid Using Multiple Numbers: Use only one phone number to generate your profile code for a specific NIN to prevent the system from rejecting the request.
- Disable Special Features: Disable features like postpaid services, promo bundles, and Do Not Disturb (DND) before sending the SMS.
2. Invalid Character Issues with NIN Submission
Another common issue encountered by candidates when sending their NIN is the “invalid character found” error message. This typically happens when the NIN is entered incorrectly or the formatting is not aligned with the required standards.
Solution:
- Correct Format: Ensure that the format used to send the NIN is as follows: [NIN 00123456789]. There must be a space between the word “NIN” and the numbers. Double-check to ensure you’re not using double spacing, as this can also trigger errors.
- Avoid Extra Spaces: It’s crucial that only one space appears between “NIN” and the numbers, as additional spaces will lead to the invalid character error.
3. Using the USSD Option for Profile Code Generation
If you’re unable to generate your profile code using the SMS method, JAMB offers a reliable alternative via the USSD option. This method has proven effective for candidates who have encountered problems with the shortcode SMS system.
To use the USSD option:
- Dial 550191NIN# or 660191NIN# and follow the prompts to generate your profile code.
Solution: If SMS continues to fail, switching to the USSD option is a practical and alternative solution to generate your profile code.
4. Temporary Network or Technical Issues
In some cases, the issue may not lie with your phone, number, or network. It could be a temporary issue, such as poor network connectivity, a disruption from JAMB, or a technical glitch at NIMC. This could prevent your SMS from being delivered successfully.
Solution:
- Be Patient: If the issue persists after checking all the possible solutions, wait for a while and try again later. Network or technical problems are often resolved quickly, and you may be able to send the SMS successfully after a short period.
5. Lost SIM Cards and Profile Code Retrieval
What if you lost the SIM card that you originally used to generate your profile code? This can be a distressing situation, but JAMB has provided a solution. Candidates who lose the SIM card used for generating their profile code can visit any CBT center to have the issue resolved.
Solution:
- Visit CBT Centers: If you can’t retrieve the lost SIM card, head to your nearest CBT center where they have the necessary tools to address such issues. This feature is available at all CBT centers, ensuring that you can still proceed with your registration despite the setback.
Conclusion:
Although several candidates have experienced difficulties with sending their NIN to 55019 or 66019, the issues can be resolved with the right approach. By following the solutions outlined in this guide—such as ensuring you have sufficient airtime, using the correct NIN format, and considering the USSD option—candidates will be able to successfully generate their profile codes and complete their UTME registration. Remember, patience is key, and if you encounter persistent issues, it may just be a temporary glitch.
By addressing these common issues, you’ll ensure a smoother registration process and be on your way to successfully completing your 2025 UTME registration.