How to Retrieve Lost JAMB Profile Code and Email Address via SMS

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Losing your JAMB Profile Code or forgetting the email address tied to your Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) account can pause your university admission journey. Whether you are trying to purchase your UTME e-PIN, print your examination slip, check your result, or log into the JAMB CAPS portal to accept an admission offer, these credentials are mandatory.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) framework uses shortcodes (55019 and 66019) to help candidates recover lost profile codes, reset passwords, and linked email details directly via SMS.

What Is a JAMB Profile Code?

A JAMB Profile Code is a unique 10-digit number generated by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board when you register using your National Identification Number (NIN).
This 10-digit string links your bio-data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database directly to your JAMB portal account.

Why the Profile Code Is Crucial

  • Purchasing JAMB e-PIN: Banks, USSD portals, and mobile money operators require this code to issue your registration e-PIN.
  • CBT Centre Registration: Accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) centres cannot register your biometrics or upload your O’Level results without it.
  • Portal Account Recovery: It acts as your primary account identifier alongside your registered mobile number.
Important: Your profile code is tied directly to your unique SIM card and NIN. JAMB policy prohibits sharing or transferring phone numbers between siblings or third parties.

Prerequisites Before Sending the SMS

To prevent failed message deliveries, network rejections, or loss of airtime, verify these requirements:
  1. Use the Original SIM Card: You must send the SMS from the exact phone number linked to your NIN during your initial JAMB profile setup.
  2. Sufficient Airtime Balance: SMS shortcodes (55019 / 66019) are charged at standard premium rates (typically ₦50). Do not use bonus airtime balances.
  3. Turn Off Do Not Disturb (DND): Active DND services on your line block incoming automated SMS replies from official shortcodes.
  4. Network Coverage: Ensure you have strong signal reception (MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile).

How to Retrieve Your Lost JAMB Profile Code via SMS

If you accidentally deleted the original text message containing your 10-digit profile code, follow this procedure to resend it.
1.Open Your Default SMS Messaging App:Do not use WhatsApp or internet messaging platforms.

Locate the native text messaging application on your mobile device. Ensure the active SIM card inside your phone is the exact line registered with JAMB.
2.Type the Keyword RESEND:Must be in UPPERCASE letters.

In the message text box, type:
RESEND
Do not add extra spaces, punctuation marks, or additional words before or after the command.
3.Send to 55019 or 66019:Try 66019 if 55019 yields no response.

Send the text message to 55019. If you encounter a network timeout or delay, resend the same command to 66019.
4.Receive Your 10-Digit Profile Code:Save the received code securely.

Within 1 to 5 minutes, JAMB’s automated system will respond with an SMS containing your full name and your 10-digit Profile Code.

Alternative USSD Method to Retrieve Profile Code

If SMS fails due to network delays, you can generate or retrieve your profile code instantly using the official USSD service on your phone dialer.
Plaintext

Dial: *66019*1*NIN#  OR  *55019*1*NIN#

Steps:

  1. Open your phone’s call dialer.
  2. Type *66019*1*12345678901# (Replace 12345678901 with your actual 11-digit NIN).
  3. Press Call using your registered SIM card.
  4. A flash prompt will display your profile code, followed by an SMS copy sent directly to your inbox.

How to Retrieve Lost or Forgotten JAMB Email Address

Candidates often forget the email address associated with their e-Facility portal account. Because JAMB links your email address to your registered SIM card, you can verify or reset your email credentials via shortcode.

Method 1: Email Reset Command via SMS

If you want to update or recover access by binding a new email address to your profile, send this SMS command:
Plaintext

Command Format:
EMAIL [space] [Your New Email Address] [space] [Your New Email Address]

Example:
EMAIL [email protected] [email protected]
  • Recipient Number: Send to 55019 or 66019.
  • Result: JAMB will link the provided email address to your profile code and send an automated profile password reset link to that inbox.

Method 2: Extracting Email from Official Examination Slips

If you previously printed any document from the portal, your email address is printed directly on the page layout:
  • Check the top-left corner of your original JAMB Exam Slip.
  • Review your JAMB Result Notification Slip.
  • Check your Post-UTME Screening Acknowledgement Form submitted to your chosen institution.

How to Reset Forgotten JAMB Portal Password via SMS

If you know your registered email address but cannot log into the JAMB e-Facility portal because you forgot your password, send a quick SMS command to request a password reset:
Plaintext

Command Format:
PASSWORD [space] [Your Registered Email Address]

Example:
PASSWORD [email protected]
  1. Send this message from your registered SIM card to 55019 or 66019.
  2. JAMB will process your request and send a password reset code or password notification directly to your mobile number and email address.

Common SMS Error Messages & How to Fix Them

When attempting profile recovery via SMS, you may encounter system errors. Here is how to resolve them:
Error Message Received Cause of Error Solution / Fix
“Invalid Command Format” Wrong spacing, lowercases, or spelling errors in the text message. Ensure RESEND or EMAIL is capitalized with exact single-space gaps.
“NIN Record Not Found” NIMC database sync mismatch or wrong NIN provided during generation. Verify your NIN by dialing *346# before retrying the generation process.
“Insufficient Balance” Attempting to send shortcodes using zero balance or bonus airtime. Recharge a minimum of ₦50 to your main airtime balance.
“Phone Number Already Used” SIM card was previously used for a relative’s registration in past years. Each profile code requires a unique, dedicated phone number tied to one candidate.
No Response Received Network congestion or active Do Not Disturb (DND) service. Text ALLOW to 2442 to disable DND, then resend to 66019 instead of 55019.

What to Do If You Lost Your Registered SIM Card

If the SIM card used during your JAMB registration was stolen, lost, or damaged, you cannot retrieve your profile code via SMS directly from a new line.

Recovery Options:

  1. Execute a SIM Swap (Welcome Back):
    • Visit an official customer service care center of your mobile provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).
    • Present your National Identification Number (NIN) and a valid government ID card to retrieve the line.
    • Once your original line is reactivated, insert it into a phone and send RESEND to 55019.
  2. Visit an Official JAMB State Office:
    • If SIM replacement is impossible, go to the nearest JAMB Professional Testing Centre or State Office with your NIN slip and valid identification.
    • Request a manual account phone number correction/update on their administrative portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I retrieve my profile code without airtime on my phone?

No. Shortcode services (55019 and 66019) require premium SMS charges (approx. ₦50) deducted from your main airtime balance.

Can I use another person’s phone number to send the SMS?

No. JAMB binds your 10-digit profile code to the specific phone number used to send the query. Sending the query from a different line creates a profile mismatch error.

Does the JAMB Profile Code expire every year?

Your profile code remains permanently attached to your NIN in JAMB’s central database. However, if you are re-registering for a new examination year, sending RESEND to 55019 reactivates your existing profile record for the current session.

What is the difference between 55019 and 66019?

Both are official shortcodes operated by JAMB. 55019 is the primary line, while 66019 serves as an operational backup to prevent network congestion.

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