Can I Do JAMB Registration at Cyber Café Instead of CBT Centre?

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). For many candidates, the registration process raises an important question:

“Can I do JAMB registration at a cyber café instead of a CBT centre?”

This is a very common concern because cyber cafés are everywhere, often cheaper, and more accessible than official Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. On the other hand, JAMB has strict rules that determine where and how UTME registration should be done.

This article provides a complete guide to help you understand:

• Whether cyber cafés are allowed for JAMB registration

• Why JAMB prefers CBT centres over ordinary cafés

• The risks and consequences of using a cyber café

• What you can do at cyber cafés legally during registration

• A detailed comparison of CBT centres vs. cyber cafés

• Tips to avoid mistakes during registration

• Frequently asked questions about JAMB registration in Nigeria

By the end, you will have full clarity on the safest, correct, and JAMB-approved way to register for UTME.

Understanding JAMB Registration in Nigeria

JAMB registration is the official process where candidates:

1. Create their profile (using NIN and JAMB portal).

2. Purchase their JAMB ePIN (registration PIN).

3. Visit an accredited CBT centre to complete registration.

4. Capture their biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

5. Confirm their subject combination and course choice.

6. Collect a printed slip as evidence of successful registration.

Since the introduction of biometric verification and centralized data collection, JAMB insists that most of these steps can only happen at accredited CBT centres. This is why confusion arises about the role of cyber cafés.

Why Cyber Cafés Are Popular Among Candidates

Cyber cafés have been part of Nigeria’s education system for many years. Students often use them for:

• Online form filling (scholarship, WAEC, NECO, etc.).

• Printing examination slips and admission letters.

• Checking results online.

• Scanning and uploading documents.

• Internet access when personal devices are not available.

Because of this, many students assume they can also complete full JAMB registration in cyber cafés. But is this really possible or allowed?

JAMB’s Official Stand on Cyber Cafés vs. CBT Centres

JAMB has repeatedly stated that full UTME registration must be done ONLY at accredited CBT centres. This is because:

1. Biometric Data Capture

   • Fingerprints and live photographs cannot be taken at ordinary cyber cafés.

   • Only CBT centres have the approved biometric devices linked to JAMB servers.

2. Error Prevention

   • CBT staff are trained to avoid mistakes in name arrangement, subject combinations, and school/course choices.

   • Mistakes at cyber cafés may cost you your admission chances.

3. Data Security

   • CBT centres are directly connected to JAMB’s official registration system.

   • Cyber cafés risk exposing your data to fraud or system errors.

4. Accreditation Requirement

   • Each CBT centre is officially listed and recognized by JAMB.

   • Cyber cafés are not accredited and therefore not authorized.

So while cyber cafés are helpful for some parts of the process, the final and complete registration must be done at a CBT centre.

What You Can Do at a Cyber Café During JAMB Registration

Even though full registration must be at CBT centres, cyber cafés still play a supportive role. You can use a cyber café to:

• Create your JAMB profile using your NIN.

• Generate and print your JAMB ePIN after purchase.

• Print your admission letter, result slip, or exam slip.

• Reprint exam date/venue slips when JAMB releases them.

• Practice CBT mock exams online.

• Scan and upload required documents if necessary.

Important: These steps are preparatory or supportive. They are not the same as full registration.

Risks of Doing JAMB Registration at Cyber Cafés

If you attempt to complete JAMB registration at a cyber café, you may face:

• Invalid Registration: Your details will not be uploaded to JAMB’s official system.

• Loss of Money: Fraudulent or untrained operators may charge you without results.

• Errors in Data: Mistakes in subject combinations, course codes, or school choices.

• Biometric Failure: Since fingerprints and photo capture cannot be done, your registration will be incomplete.

• Disqualification: JAMB may disqualify any candidate who bypasses CBT centres.

Detailed Comparison: Cyber Café vs. CBT Centre

Why CBT Centres Are the Only Approved Option

• CBT centres ensure that every candidate is properly captured.

• JAMB uses biometric verification to prevent impersonation and exam malpractice.

• Only CBT centres can directly upload data to JAMB servers.

• In case of mistakes, CBT centres can correct them officially.

• Registration done at CBT centres gives you a valid acknowledgment slip.

Common Misconceptions About JAMB Registration

1. “Cyber cafés are cheaper, so it is better to use them.”

   • Cheaper does not mean valid. You may waste money if your registration is rejected.

2. “I registered last year at a café, so I can do the same this year.”

   • JAMB has tightened rules in recent years. What worked before may not work now.

3. “CBT centres are too far, so a café nearby is fine.”

   • Location convenience cannot replace official approval.

4. “Cafés can capture biometrics if they have a webcam.”

   • JAMB requires special biometric scanners, not ordinary webcams.

Tips for Smooth JAMB Registration

• Always confirm the list of accredited CBT centres before registering.

• Carry your NIN, personal details, and payment receipt to the centre.

• Double-check your subject combination to match your desired course.

• Collect and safely keep your registration slip after completion.

• Use cyber cafés only for printing, not registration.

Summary Table: Cyber Café vs. CBT Centre for JAMB Registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I register for JAMB at a cyber café?

No. JAMB registration must be done at accredited CBT centres only.

2. What can I do at a cyber café during JAMB registration?

You can create your profile, print ePIN, and reprint slips but not full registration.

3. Why does JAMB not allow cyber cafés for registration?

Because cyber cafés cannot capture biometric data and are not directly connected to JAMB servers.

4. What happens if I register at a café?

Your registration will be invalid, and you may be disqualified from the exam.

5. How much is JAMB registration at CBT centres?

The fee is fixed by JAMB each year, usually covering ePIN, reading text, and CBT charges.

6. Can I correct mistakes if I register at a café?

No, cafés are not authorized. Only CBT centres can correct mistakes.

7. Is profile creation at a café allowed?

Yes, profile creation and printing tasks can be done at a cyber café.

8. How do I know a centre is accredited?

Check JAMB’s official list of CBT centres before registering.

9. Can cyber cafés do JAMB result printing?

Yes, they can print results, admission letters, and exam slips.

10. What is the safest option for JAMB registration?

Always use a JAMB-accredited CBT centre for full registration.

Conclusion

The question, “Can I do JAMB registration at a cyber café instead of a CBT centre?” has a very clear answer: No.

Cyber cafés may assist with printing and profile creation, but the only approved way to register for JAMB is through accredited CBT centres. This ensures accurate biometric capture, secure data, and valid registration that will not be rejected.

For all Nigerian students preparing for the 2026 UTME, the safest path is to use CBT centres for registration and rely on cyber cafés only for supportive tasks.

Takeaway: Don’t risk your admission dreams by cutting corners. Use the right process, register at an accredited CBT centre, and secure your future with confidence.