How to Retrieve Lost JAMB Profile Code in 2025

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students gear up to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), but many find themselves stuck on one frustrating detail – how to retrieve lost JAMB profile code.

This short, seemingly random set of numbers is far more than just a code; it’s your access ticket to register, check results, confirm admission status and even log in to the JAMB CAPS portal. Misplacing or losing it can feel like hitting a dead end, especially when registration deadlines are looming and CBT centers are already packed.

Let’s be honest – retrieving a lost JAMB profile code can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you’re under pressure. Some candidates panic when they accidentally delete the SMS, lose their SIM card or don’t receive the code in the first place. Others try repeatedly to text JAMB’s shortcode without success.

It’s not just about sending an SMS and hoping for the best; there’s a method behind the system and if you don’t follow it correctly, you’ll keep getting stuck.

What most candidates don’t realize is that there are actually multiple legitimate ways to recover the JAMB profile code – each tailored to specific situations. Whether you still have your old SIM, already registered your NIN or mistakenly registered with multiple phone numbers, there’s a process that can get you back on track fast. You just need to know the right steps to take and that’s exactly what this comprehensive guide breaks down for you.

Here you’ll not only discover how to retrieve lost JAMB profile code step-by-step, but you’ll also learn what causes the issue in the first place, how to avoid common mistakes, what to do when SMS codes fail and how to protect your profile going forward.

The goal is to save your time, reduce stress and get you fully prepared for your next big academic move – with your JAMB profile code in hand and ready.

Common Reasons Why Candidates Lose Their JAMB Profile Code

Before you learn how to retrieve lost JAMB profile code, it helps to know why it went missing in the first place. These are the most reported causes:

SIM card was lost, damaged or swapped
Profile code SMS was mistakenly deleted
Multiple registrations using different NINs
Network error during NIN-SMS registration
Using an unlinked or unregistered phone number
Typographical errors during initial JAMB request

Each of these issues has a slightly different fix. But whether your issue is simple or technical, there’s a recovery path available.

Fastest Way to Recover Your JAMB Profile Code via SMS

The most straightforward method for how to retrieve lost JAMB profile code is by using the same phone number you used during your NIN registration.

Steps to retrieve it via SMS:

Open your SMS app.
Type “RESEND” (without quotes) and send it to 55019 or 66019.
Wait a few seconds to a few minutes.
JAMB will automatically resend your original profile code.

Example SMS:

RESEND → send to 55019

This is the method recommended directly by JAMB – and it works only if the phone number is the same one you used when linking your NIN to JAMB initially. If the phone number has changed, don’t panic. Just keep reading.

How to Retrieve JAMB Profile Code Using an Alternative Number

If you’ve changed your SIM or lost access to the one linked with NIN, here’s how to retrieve lost JAMB profile code using other strategies.

Option 1: SIM Swap at a Mobile Service Center

Visit your mobile network provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) and request a SIM swap. You’ll need:

A valid ID (NIN slip, national ID card or voter’s card)
Your old phone number
A sworn affidavit (sometimes required)

Once your old number is restored, send RESEND to 55019 or 66019.

Option 2: Contact JAMB Support

When SIM retrieval is impossible, your next line of action is to contact JAMB directly.

Contact channels:

Email: support@jamb.gov.ng
JAMB support portal: https://www.jamb.gov.ng/support
JAMB offices nationwide

Information to provide:

Full name (as registered with NIN)
NIN
Date of birth
State of origin
A brief explanation of the issue

This approach can take a few days but is effective when all else fails.

How to Retrieve Your Profile Code Through Your NIN Directly

If you’re wondering whether you can use your NIN to get back your profile code, the answer is yes – with a twist.

Here’s how:

Open your SMS app.
Send your NIN followed by a space to 55019 or 66019.
Example: NIN 12345678901
You’ll receive a message containing your profile code.

Note: This works only once per NIN. If you’ve already sent your NIN before, JAMB will respond with your old profile code – exactly what you need if it’s lost.

If the message doesn’t come through:

Ensure you have at least ₦50 airtime
Confirm that your NIN is correct
Check that the number is properly linked to your NIN record

When the JAMB SMS Code Doesn’t Work – Try These Fixes

There are instances where sending SMS to 55019 or 66019 doesn’t return any profile code. If you’ve been trying and nothing comes through, here’s what could be wrong:

Possible issues and fixes:

Insufficient Airtime
Have at least ₦50 on your line.
Wrong SMS Format
Always type: RESEND or NIN [your 11-digit NIN].
Phone Number Not NIN-Linked
Your SIM must be the one used in your NIN record.
Poor Network Coverage
Try again at a different time or in a location with better reception.
Technical Glitches
Wait 10–15 minutes and retry or switch between 55019 and 66019.

What If You Registered Twice with Different NINs?

If you’re trying to figure out how to retrieve lost JAMB profile code and you’ve mistakenly used two different NINs, there’s a major issue on your hands.

JAMB’s system may flag your profile as duplicated or invalid. Here’s what to do:

Do not attempt multiple re-registrations.
Immediately contact JAMB via their support portal.
Attach scanned copies of both NIN slips and explain the situation honestly.

JAMB may invalidate one profile and reassign a valid code, but this takes processing time.

How to Save and Back Up Your JAMB Profile Code (So You Never Lose It Again)

Once you retrieve your JAMB profile code, don’t make the mistake of losing it again. Here are the best backup strategies:

Save it in multiple places (notepad, WhatsApp, Google Drive)
Take a screenshot and email it to yourself
Write it in your school application notebook
Memorize at least the first and last 3 digits
Print out your JAMB registration slip immediately once registration begins

Next Steps After Recovering Your Profile Code

Now that you’ve figured out how to retrieve lost JAMB profile code, here’s what you must do next:

Use the code for UTME or DE registration at accredited CBT centers
Keep the code safe for checking results and admissions
Register for JAMB CAPS and link your email
Don’t share your code with anyone to avoid data theft

FAQ

1. Can I retrieve my JAMB profile code without the SIM I used during registration?

Yes, you can – but not directly through SMS. If you no longer have access to the SIM card you used when registering your NIN, your best option is to visit your network provider for a SIM swap. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to contact JAMB support via their official portal or visit the nearest JAMB office. Provide your NIN, full name and other registration details so they can manually help you recover your profile code.

2. What should I do if I’ve sent “RESEND” to 55019 but didn’t get any response?

First, make sure the SIM card you’re using is the same one used for your original NIN submission. Also, ensure that you have at least ₦50 airtime, as the service is not free. If all else seems okay and there’s still no reply, wait a few minutes and try again using 66019 as an alternative shortcode. If you still don’t get a response, contact JAMB support or visit an accredited CBT center.

3. Is it possible to get a new JAMB profile code if I’ve already generated one before?

No, JAMB allows only one profile code per candidate per NIN. If you’ve already generated a profile code and try to re-register with the same NIN, JAMB will simply resend your original code. If you’ve lost the message, send “RESEND” to 55019 or 66019 using the registered phone number. Do not attempt to create a new code by using a different NIN or SIM – it could result in disqualification or data mismatch.

4. Can I recover my JAMB profile code online?

Currently, JAMB doesn’t offer a direct online portal to retrieve your profile code. However, you can reach out to them through the JAMB support ticket system at https://www.jamb.gov.ng/support. You’ll be required to fill in your personal details, including NIN, name and registered phone number. JAMB officials will respond and assist with the recovery process.

5. I registered with a wrong phone number. How do I get my profile code?

If you mistakenly used the wrong phone number during NIN registration, the profile code would be sent to that incorrect number. Unfortunately, JAMB doesn’t currently support switching numbers after the fact. Your only solution is to contact JAMB support immediately. You may need to provide an affidavit, proof of NIN registration and valid identification to verify your claim. In some cases, JAMB may assign a new code if the error is clearly documented and verified.

How to Retrieve Lost JAMB Profile Code in 2025