The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed all public universities in Nigeria to complete admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session 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.
The meeting had vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and other education officials who discussed admission procedures and timelines for schools across the country.
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said the new timelines were introduced to make the admission process more organised and ensure that tertiary institutions follow a uniform system.
Under the new arrangement, public universities must finish all admission activities on or before October 31.
Private universities were given until November 30 to conclude their admissions, while polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions are expected to finish theirs not later than December 31.
JAMB also announced penalties for institutions that fail to meet the approved deadlines. According to the board, schools that do not complete admissions within the stipulated period will lose access to candidates on the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
The board further introduced fresh conditions for candidates offered admission through CAPS. Candidates will now have only four weeks to either accept or reject any admission offer given to them.
JAMB explained that any admission not accepted within the approved period could be removed once the institution requests it.
The board also warned that candidates who reject admission offers may face sanctions that could stop them from being considered for another admission in the future.
