The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced an extension of the deadline for the 2025/2026 admissions into public universities across Nigeria. This crucial update provides fresh relief for institutions and candidates still processing their admission lists, ensuring that no qualified student is left out due to administrative or legal delays.
According to the Board, the new and final deadline for the completion of all public university admissions has been moved to Monday, November 17, 2025. This marks an important opportunity for universities to finalize pending admissions and for candidates to conclude all necessary procedures before the official close of the admission window.
Why JAMB Extended the Admission Deadline
The decision to extend the 2025/2026 admission deadline came after a formal appeal by the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU). The university administrators requested additional time following unforeseen delays caused by a recent court order that restrained universities from publishing admission lists until October 28, 2025.
This legal delay created a bottleneck for universities, preventing them from completing the normal admission process within the initially approved time frame. In response, JAMB stepped in to ensure fairness and transparency by extending the timeline, allowing every institution to complete admissions without breaching regulatory deadlines.
Impact of New Accreditation on Admissions
Another significant factor influencing JAMB’s decision was the recent accreditation of 229 new academic programmes across 37 universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on October 29, 2025.
The accreditation of these new programmes created new admission opportunities for students but also led to administrative challenges, as universities needed additional time to process and upload fresh data for these newly approved courses.
JAMB acknowledged these realities and stressed the importance of giving institutions sufficient time to absorb and manage the new developments effectively.
JAMB’s Warning to Institutions and Candidates
While granting the extension, JAMB emphasised that the November 17, 2025 deadline remains the final and non-negotiable date for all public universities to conclude their admission processes.
The Board cautioned institutions against seeking further extensions, reminding them that adherence to timelines is crucial for the smooth commencement of the 2025/2026 academic calendar.
Similarly, candidates who have received provisional offers of admission are strongly advised to accept or reject their admissions promptly, complete all clearance and registration requirements, and ensure that their names are properly uploaded on JAMB’s Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) before the deadline.
What This Means for Admission Seekers
For thousands of students anxiously awaiting their admission status, this extension is both a relief and a final warning. It presents one last opportunity to finalize all admission-related activities.
Here’s what candidates should do immediately:
- Log in to the JAMB CAPS portal to confirm admission status.
- Accept or reject offers without delay.
- Complete all clearance requirements at the chosen institution.
- Ensure your O’Level results and personal data are correctly uploaded.
- Follow up with your school’s admission office for any pending documentation.
Failure to act within this window could mean forfeiting your 2025/2026 admission opportunity, as JAMB has made it clear that no further extensions will be entertained.
Universities Affected by the New Deadline
The new extension primarily affects federal and state universities that were still processing admissions as of late October 2025. These include institutions that:
- Experienced delays due to the recent court order halting publication of admission lists.
- Are integrating new programmes accredited by the NUC.
- Are yet to fully upload admission data to the CAPS system.
All affected universities are expected to expedite internal screening, publish final admission lists, and complete all uploads before the November 17 deadline.
Implications for the Academic Calendar
Education experts have noted that this extension will help prevent overlapping admission sessions, which could otherwise disrupt the 2025/2026 academic calendar. By allowing more time for the admission process, universities can begin the new session in a more organised and stable manner.
Moreover, the inclusion of newly accredited programmes expands the diversity of courses available to students, helping Nigeria’s higher education system better align with global academic standards and labor market demands.
JAMB’s Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency, fairness, and efficiency in Nigeria’s admission process. The Board continues to work closely with university managements, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other education stakeholders to ensure that admissions are merit-based and in compliance with national guidelines.
According to JAMB, this extension demonstrates its sensitivity to the challenges faced by universities and its readiness to create a flexible yet disciplined system that upholds academic integrity.
Final Words to Students and Institutions
This final extension serves as a critical reminder that the admission process for the 2025/2026 academic session is nearing its official close.
Students are therefore urged to remain proactive, constantly check their admission status, and complete all requirements within the stipulated timeframe. University authorities, on their part, are advised to avoid any administrative lapses that could jeopardize candidates’ chances of securing admission.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has made it clear — November 17, 2025, is the final date. No excuses, no further delays.
