JAMB Gives Universities Deadline For 2025/2026 Admissions

JAMB Gives Universities Deadline For 2025/2026 Admissions
Institutions missing deadlines may lose access to CAPS admission platform.
Candidates now have four weeks to accept admission offers.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has directed all public universities across Nigeria to conclude admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session on or before October 31, 2026.

The decision was reached during the 2026 JAMB Annual Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the meeting brought together vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and other education stakeholders to deliberate on admission procedures, timelines and policies for tertiary institutions nationwide.

JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, said the new admission timelines were introduced to improve coordination, streamline the process and ensure that all institutions follow a uniform admission structure.

Under the approved schedule, all public universities are expected to complete their admission processes by October 31, 2026.

Private universities were given until November 30 to conclude their admissions, while polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions must complete theirs not later than December 31, 2026.

JAMB also announced penalties for institutions that fail to comply with the approved deadlines.

According to the board, any institution that does not conclude admissions within the stipulated timeframe will lose access to candidates on the Central Admission Processing System, popularly known as CAPS.

The board explained that the move was aimed at promoting transparency, discipline and efficiency in the admission process.

JAMB also introduced fresh conditions for candidates offered admission through CAPS.

Under the new policy, candidates will now have only four weeks to either accept or reject admission offers issued by institutions.

The examination body warned that any admission offer not accepted within the approved period may be withdrawn once the institution requests its removal.

The board further cautioned candidates against rejecting admission offers without careful consideration, noting that such decisions could attract sanctions.

According to JAMB, candidates who reject admission offers may risk losing future opportunities to be considered for admission into tertiary institutions.

The board maintained that the new measures are part of ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s admission system and ensure smoother academic calendar planning for tertiary institutions across the country.