2025 JAMB Admission Closure for Public Universities

2025 JAMB Admission Closure for Public Universities: What Candidates Must Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the closure of the 2025/2026 admission exercise for all public universities—including federal and state institutions—in compliance with the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) admission calendar. According to the information released by the board, the admission closure took effect on Monday, 17th November 2025, marking the end of all institutional processing for the current admission cycle within public universities.

This development has triggered mixed reactions among candidates nationwide, especially those who were still hoping to change their institution, update incorrect details, or secure late consideration from their preferred university. In this article, we will break down what the closure means, who is affected, the categories still open for processing, and the remaining opportunities available for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Why JAMB Closed Admission for Public Universities

The closure aligns with the annual admission timetable that guides Nigerian institutions under the supervision of the National Universities Commission (NUC). Admission is usually designed to close around October or November to give room for new academic sessions, Matriculation planning, and timely release of school calendars.

According to the NUC admission guideline (see NUC official website: www.nuc.edu.ng), universities must begin screening, selection, and matriculation within a specific timeframe to avoid academic disruptions. JAMB’s decision is therefore part of a standard national process and not an isolated action.

What the 2025 JAMB Admission Closure Means for Candidates

Below is a simple breakdown of how the decision affects various categories of candidates:

1. Change of Course or Change of Institution to Public Universities Is No Longer Possible

The JAMB portal has disabled the “Change of Institution” and “Change of Course” options for all federal and state universities. Candidates hoping to switch into a public university at the last minute can no longer do so.

This means:

• You cannot change from a polytechnic or private university to a federal/state university.
• You cannot switch from one public university to another.
• You cannot correct institution choices involving public universities.

If you are still interested in higher education for this year, you can explore other available options discussed later in this article.

2. Candidates Who Completed Their Change of Course/Institution BEFORE 17th November 2025 Are Still Safe

One of the most important clarifications is that those who made their changes on or before 17th November 2025 will still be considered. Their details have already been transmitted to the schools they applied to, and the respective institutions will continue processing their admission without interruption.

So if you changed earlier and saw it reflected on your CAPS, you have nothing to worry about.

3. Candidates With “Admission in Progress (AIP)” Are NOT Affected

Many students were worried that admission closure might automatically cancel their AIP status, but JAMB has confirmed that:

“Admission in Progress (AIP) candidates will continue to be processed until their institutions conclude their internal procedures.”

AIP means the school has already shortlisted you and is working on final approval. As long as you meet the requirements, your chances of getting admitted remain high.

What Is Still Open? (Very Important Update)

Even though public universities have closed admission, several other tertiary categories are still open for the 2025 academic year.

1. Private University Admission Remains Open Until 30th November 2025

Those who still wish to gain admission this year can consider private universities. Many private institutions admit candidates until late December or even January, depending on their internal calendar.

Examples include:

• Babcock University
• Covenant University
• Skyline University Nigeria
• Chrisland University
• Lead City University

You can check their updated admission requirements directly on their websites.

2. Polytechnic Admissions Open Until 31st December 2025

According to NBTE guidelines (nbte.gov.ng), polytechnics generally close admission by December. Candidates who still have interest in ND programmes can apply.

Most polytechnics are still selling forms, processing screening, and admitting candidates. This includes federal, state, and private polytechnics across Nigeria.

3. Colleges of Education, Monotechnics & Schools of Nursing Are Still Admitting

These institutions typically run longer admission windows because they operate modular programmes and multiple entry points. Prospective candidates still have opportunities until the end of the year.

Popular schools like:

• College of Education, Ilorin
• College of Education, Zuba
• Ogun State College of Nursing
• Kwara State College of Health

remain open.

Implications for Candidates Who Missed Public University Admission

If you missed this year’s admission window into public universities, you still have meaningful alternatives that keep your educational journey on track.

Option 1: Try Private Universities (Flexible Fees and Scholarships Available)

Some private schools now offer partial scholarships, flexible tuition payment, and programmes accredited by NUC. Their academic calendar is usually stable, and they offer fast-track admissions.

Option 2: Choose a Polytechnic ND Program (Then Upgrade to University)

Many candidates use the ND → HND → Direct Entry path to secure university degrees. Polytechnic ND programs are skill-focused and often lead to high employability.

You can learn more about polytechnic admissions in one of our internal guides:
Challenges facing JAMB CBT system in Nigeria

Option 3: Apply for Colleges of Education or Nursing Schools

These institutions provide professional qualifications that can quickly lead to employment, especially in teaching and healthcare sectors.

Advice for Candidates Waiting on Public University Admission

If your status shows:

• “Admission in Progress”
• “Not Admitted Yet”
• “Admission Under Processing”

Keep checking your JAMB CAPS dashboard regularly. Public universities will continue internal approval for candidates already on their list. Ensure you have uploaded your O’level results on JAMB portal and that your course/institution matches your subject combination.

You can read our internal article on subject combination problems here:
Common Mistakes Students make during admission process and how to avoid them

Final Thoughts

The closure of the 2025 public university admission cycle is a normal annual procedure and not a sign of a problem. Candidates who completed their changes earlier or have AIP status are still safe. Meanwhile, private universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, schools of nursing, and colleges of education offer alternative pathways to admission before the end of 2025.

As always, students are advised to stay updated, follow verified information, and avoid misinformation circulating on social media. For accurate updates, you can always rely on websites like:
JAMB Official Portal

For daily admission updates, follow Alphayem Education Blog.