Losing your JAMB Profile Code can be stressful, especially when you need it to continue with your UTME or Direct Entry registration. The good news is that forgetting or misplacing your Profile Code does not mean you need to create a new JAMB profile.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides an official way for candidates to retrieve a lost Profile Code through SMS. The process is straightforward, but you must use the mobile number originally linked to your JAMB profile.
In this guide, you will learn how to retrieve a lost JAMB Profile Code, what to do if the SMS method does not work, how to handle a lost SIM card, and how to avoid common mistakes during the recovery process.
What Is a JAMB Profile Code?
A JAMB Profile Code is a unique code issued to a candidate during the JAMB registration process. It is used to identify the candidate’s profile and is required for important JAMB registration-related activities.
According to JAMB’s current registration guidance, the Profile Code is sent to the candidate’s registered mobile number. JAMB also states that the Profile Code remains the same for previous and future applications and is not transferable.
This means candidates should keep their Profile Code and the phone number associated with their JAMB profile safe.
If you have forgotten the code, there is no need to panic. You can request that JAMB resend it.
How to Retrieve a Lost JAMB Profile Code
The easiest official method is to resend the Profile Code through SMS.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Get the phone number you used for JAMB
Use the same mobile number you used when creating your JAMB profile.
This is important because JAMB’s official instructions specifically state that the retrieval request should be sent from the same mobile number associated with the candidate’s profile.
If you still have that SIM card, put it in your phone and make sure the line can send SMS.
Step 2: Open your phone’s SMS application
Go to the normal messaging application on your mobile phone.
You do not need to visit a cybercafé or CBT centre simply because you forgot your Profile Code. The initial retrieval process can be done directly from your phone.
Step 3: Type RESEND
Create a new SMS and type:
RESEND
Use the word exactly as instructed by JAMB.
You do not need to add your name, NIN, JAMB registration number, or other information to the RESEND message.
Step 4: Send the message to 55019 or 66019
Send the SMS containing RESEND to either:
55019
or
66019
JAMB’s FAQ and its 2026 registration guidance both identify these numbers for Profile Code retrieval.
Step 5: Wait for the response
After sending the SMS, check your messages for JAMB’s response.
If the request is processed successfully, your Profile Code should be returned to you through the appropriate SMS response.
It is a good idea to save the message once you receive the code. You can also write the code down somewhere secure for future reference.
Quick Summary of the JAMB Profile Code Retrieval Process
If you want the short version, here it is:
- Use the phone number linked to your JAMB profile.
- Open your SMS application.
- Type RESEND.
- Send it to 55019 or 66019.
- Check your phone for the response from JAMB.
- Save your Profile Code safely.
This is the official procedure published by JAMB for retrieving a lost Profile Code.
Can I Retrieve My JAMB Profile Code With a Different Phone Number?
Generally, the normal SMS retrieval method requires the phone number associated with your JAMB profile.
JAMB uses the candidate’s unique mobile number as an important identifier for registration and transactions. Its 2026 registration guidance says candidates should use the same phone number used for previous registration where applicable, and that the Profile Code is sent to that same telephone number.
Therefore, simply using another person’s phone number to send RESEND may not retrieve your Profile Code.
If you have lost access to the original number, your situation is different from simply forgetting the code.
What If I Lost the SIM Card Used for JAMB?
If you lost the SIM card connected to your JAMB profile, do not immediately create another JAMB profile.
The first thing to consider is whether you can recover the same phone number from your network provider. Since your JAMB profile is linked to the original number, recovering access to that line may make it possible to use JAMB’s normal SMS retrieval procedure.
JAMB has also advised candidates to protect the unique mobile number used for registration because it is connected to their transactions with the Board.
If you cannot recover the number or your Profile Code problem cannot be resolved through the normal process, contact JAMB through its official support system or visit a JAMB office for guidance.
Do not pay an unofficial agent to “generate” a replacement Profile Code.
What If RESEND Does Not Work?
Sometimes a candidate may send RESEND but fail to receive the expected response.
Before assuming that your JAMB profile is lost, check the following:
1. Confirm that you used the correct phone number
The SMS should come from the mobile number associated with your JAMB profile.
Using a different number can prevent the request from working.
2. Check that you typed RESEND correctly
The message should contain the word:
RESEND
Avoid adding unnecessary words, punctuation, or personal information.
3. Check your network connection
Make sure your SIM can send SMS messages normally. You can test the line by sending a message to another number.
4. Check your SMS inbox
Make sure your phone has enough storage for new messages and check your inbox carefully for a response.
5. Try the other official SMS number
JAMB currently lists both 55019 and 66019 for Profile Code retrieval.
If you tried one of them without success, you can try the other official number.
6. Avoid repeatedly creating new profiles
Creating another profile because you cannot immediately retrieve your existing code can cause unnecessary complications.
Your JAMB Profile Code is associated with your candidate profile, so the safer approach is to resolve the existing profile issue through the official channels.
Can I Retrieve an Old JAMB Profile Code From Previous Years?
Yes, your existing Profile Code may still be relevant.
JAMB’s FAQ states that candidates who generated a Profile Code in a previous year but were not successful in gaining admission can refresh the code by sending RESEND to 55019 or 66019 for a new registration.
JAMB’s 2026 registration guidance also explains that the Profile Code remains the same for previous and future applications and is not transferable.
Therefore, if you previously registered with JAMB, do not assume that you must start from scratch simply because you are applying again.
What If I Forgot My JAMB Profile Password?
A Profile Code and a Profile Password are not the same thing.
If you have your Profile Code but cannot remember your password, JAMB provides a separate password-recovery procedure.
According to JAMB’s FAQ, candidates can reset a lost or forgotten Profile Password from the registered mobile number by sending PASSWORD, followed by a space and the registered email address, to 55019 or 66019.
This distinction is important.
If your problem is the Profile Code, use the RESEND procedure.
If your problem is the Profile Password, use the appropriate password-reset procedure.
What If I Lost My JAMB e-PIN Instead?
A JAMB Profile Code is also different from an e-PIN.
If you have already obtained an e-PIN and subsequently lost it or did not receive it, JAMB provides a separate retrieval method.
The Board states that candidates who have not received or have lost their e-PIN can send UTMEPIN from their unique registered number to 55019 or 66019 for UTME, where applicable.
So, before sending an SMS, identify exactly what you have lost:
- Profile Code: Send RESEND.
- Profile Password: Follow JAMB’s password-reset instruction.
- e-PIN: Use the official e-PIN retrieval procedure.
Using the wrong command may not solve the problem.
Do I Need to Visit a JAMB CBT Centre to Retrieve My Profile Code?
Not necessarily.
If you still have access to the phone number linked to your JAMB profile, you can first use the official SMS retrieval method from your phone.
A CBT centre becomes more relevant when you need assistance with registration or when you have a problem that cannot be resolved through the normal self-service process.
JAMB states that candidates complete registration at accredited CBT centres, where required registration activities such as biometric capture and photography are carried out.
For a simple forgotten Profile Code, however, the first step is to try the official RESEND SMS procedure.
What If My Phone Number Is No Longer Available?
This is one of the more complicated situations.
If the number used to create your JAMB profile is no longer available, you may not be able to use the standard SMS recovery method because JAMB’s instructions require the retrieval request to come from the same mobile number.
Do not give your NIN, password, banking information, or other sensitive details to random individuals who claim they can recover your Profile Code.
Instead, use JAMB’s official support channels or visit a JAMB office for assistance with the specific problem.
JAMB’s 2026 guidance directs candidates with Profile Code-related complaints to its support ticketing system.
How to Contact JAMB for Profile Code Problems
If the normal RESEND method does not solve your problem, use JAMB’s official support system rather than relying on unofficial websites or social media agents.
JAMB’s official website provides access to its support services, and its registration guidance directs candidates to the support ticketing system for complaints involving Profile Code, NIN, payment, and other registration issues.
When contacting JAMB, explain the problem clearly.
For example, state that:
- You already have a JAMB profile.
- You have forgotten or lost the Profile Code.
- You have tried the official RESEND SMS method.
- You still have access to the registered phone number, if applicable.
- You need assistance retrieving the existing Profile Code.
Providing clear information can make it easier for the appropriate support team to understand your issue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recovering a JAMB Profile Code
Creating a second profile
Do not create another profile simply because you forgot your Profile Code.
Try the official retrieval method first.
Using another person’s phone number
The Profile Code is connected to your registered mobile number. Use the number associated with your JAMB profile.
Sending the wrong SMS command
For a lost Profile Code, the official command is RESEND.
Do not confuse it with the commands used for password or e-PIN recovery.
Giving your details to unofficial agents
Be careful with people who ask for money or sensitive information while claiming they can retrieve your JAMB Profile Code.
Use JAMB’s official channels whenever possible.
Assuming the old Profile Code is useless
If you previously registered and are applying again, your old Profile Code may still be relevant. JAMB says the Profile Code remains the same for previous and future applications.
How to Keep Your JAMB Profile Code Safe
Once you retrieve your Profile Code, take a few minutes to store it securely.
You can:
- Save the JAMB SMS in your phone.
- Write the Profile Code in a secure notebook.
- Keep your registered phone number active.
- Remember the email address associated with your JAMB profile.
- Keep important JAMB registration documents together.
- Avoid sharing your personal JAMB login information with strangers.
Keeping these details safe can save you time when you need to access JAMB services later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number should I send RESEND to for JAMB Profile Code?
Send RESEND by SMS to 55019 or 66019 from the mobile number associated with your JAMB profile. This is the retrieval method published by JAMB.
Can I retrieve my JAMB Profile Code without my phone?
The standard SMS method requires the mobile number linked to your JAMB profile. If you no longer have access to that number, use JAMB’s official support channels for guidance.
How many characters is a JAMB Profile Code?
JAMB’s 2026 registration guidance states that a Profile Code is 10 characters long.
Can I use my NIN to retrieve my lost Profile Code?
The official lost Profile Code retrieval instruction is to send RESEND from the registered mobile number. NIN is used in the profile creation process, but the specific retrieval command for a lost Profile Code is RESEND.
Do I need to pay someone to retrieve my JAMB Profile Code?
You should not need an unofficial agent to retrieve a forgotten Profile Code. JAMB provides an official SMS retrieval procedure using RESEND.
Can I use my old JAMB Profile Code again?
JAMB’s current guidance says the Profile Code remains the same for previous and future applications and is not transferable.