JAMB Sets October Deadline for Public Universities: What Applicants Should Know
By Alphayem Education Desk – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the deadlines for the conclusion of the 2025/2026 admission exercise. According to the board, all public universities are to complete their admission processes by October 31, 2025, while private universities have until November 30, 2025. Polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions are expected to finalize theirs by December 31, 2025.
Understanding JAMB’s New Admission Timeline
Every academic year, JAMB releases an official schedule to regulate admission activities across Nigerian institutions. This helps maintain an organized academic calendar and ensures fairness in the admission process. However, this year’s announcement has raised mixed reactions among candidates and school administrators. Many students are concerned because some universities have not even started selling their Post-UTME or screening forms.
Normally, institutions like the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) begin their admission exercise early, while others — especially state universities — tend to start late due to internal delays, strikes, or unresolved sessions. With JAMB’s October deadline approaching fast, candidates of such schools are worried they might be left behind.
Why JAMB Sets Admission Deadlines
The admission deadline is not meant to threaten students but to encourage institutions to align with the national academic calendar. Over the years, overlapping admission exercises have caused disruptions in session planning. Some institutions start a new session while others are still admitting candidates. The board’s goal is to restore uniformity, reduce delays, and ensure that all institutions begin the next session on time.
In addition, the deadline allows JAMB to prepare for the next UTME registration cycle without confusion. When previous admission exercises drag too long, it affects the release of admission letters, NYSC mobilization, and the scheduling of new entrance exams.
Should Candidates Be Worried About Missing Admission?
Not necessarily. Although the October deadline sounds strict, JAMB often provides flexibility to schools that face genuine delays. For instance, in previous years, the board extended deadlines for institutions affected by strikes or delayed Senate approvals. Therefore, candidates whose schools are yet to start screening should not panic.
It’s also important to note that each school manages its admission independently within the JAMB system. What this means is that if a school has not started selling forms, JAMB will be aware and may grant extra time for such institutions to complete their process before closing the year’s admission cycle.
Possible Effects of the Deadline
While the intention behind the directive is good, there are a few possible effects worth mentioning:
- 1. Rushed screenings: Some universities might fast-track their screening or Post-UTME exercises, leading to errors or omitted names.
- 2. Pressure on candidates: Students may panic and make wrong decisions — such as applying to schools they didn’t initially choose — due to fear of missing admission.
- 3. System congestion: Schools rushing to upload lists before the deadline could cause slow JAMB CAPS updates and temporary technical glitches.
- 4. Unequal opportunities: Candidates from slower institutions might have less time to complete document verification compared to those in faster ones.
What Applicants Should Do Now
Instead of worrying, candidates should take practical steps to stay ready and informed. Here are a few things every applicant should do:
- 1. Remain calm and positive: The deadline is a guide, not a punishment. Many schools will still process admissions well into November or December.
- 2. Monitor your school’s official portal: Visit your university or polytechnic website daily to check for screening announcements.
- 3. Check JAMB CAPS frequently: Log in to your JAMB profile at efacility.jamb.gov.ng to track your admission status and accept your offer when it appears.
- 4. Keep your documents intact: Make sure your O’level results, birth certificate, local government of origin certificate, and JAMB slip are all ready for verification.
- 5. Avoid misinformation: Follow verified education news sources like Alphayem Education and your school’s social media pages. Ignore rumors on WhatsApp or random groups.
Advice from Alphayem Education Desk
At Alphayem.com.ng, we encourage all applicants to approach this situation with patience and awareness. Admission is a gradual process, and schools will not intentionally abandon their students. If a school hasn’t released its screening form yet, it simply means internal arrangements are still ongoing.
Even if JAMB closes the main portal in October, institutions can still apply for extension or conclude internal processing before uploading final lists. So rather than panicking, stay focused, pray, and prepare for the next step — whether it’s screening, documentation, or acceptance.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the 2025/2026 JAMB admission deadline aims to restore order and timely coordination among institutions. While it may look alarming to candidates, it’s not an automatic barrier. As long as your school eventually opens its admission portal and you remain active on your JAMB CAPS, your admission chance is still safe.
Stay informed, stay ready, and don’t let fear distract you. Follow authentic updates, keep checking your email and school portal, and remember — patience is key. Your admission journey is still on track.
