The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has extended the 2026 Direct Entry registration deadline to May 8, 2026, allowing more candidates to complete their applications. The move aims to prevent eligible applicants from being shut out of tertiary education access.
Extension and New Centres
Fabian Benjamin, the board's spokesperson, announced the decision, stating it was taken to ensure no eligible applicant is left out. The extension also aims to manage growing demand and reduce pressure on registration centres. JAMB approved five additional registration centres across Nigeria to ease congestion in high-turnout areas. These centres are located in Ilorin, Ota, Ago-Iwoye, Oyo, and Lagos. The new Lagos centre will begin operations from April 30, 2026.
Improved Access and Convenience
The expanded network is intended to improve access and provide more convenience for candidates. Existing registration points, including JAMB offices nationwide, Professional Registration Centres, and Professional Testing Centres, remain open. The board stated that the measures reflect its broader objective of expanding opportunities for admission into higher education institutions. Candidates are advised to complete registration within the new timeline and use approved centres to avoid complications.
JAMB Flags 43 Institutions Over Verification Delays
Earlier, JAMB raised concerns over delays by several tertiary institutions in verifying results for Direct Entry applicants, with over 2,600 cases pending. Data showed 43 institutions affected, with 2,638 outstanding verification requests as of mid-March. The board summoned the institutions for a meeting scheduled for May 17. Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa recorded the highest number of pending cases (222), followed by Kaduna Polytechnic (220), Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic (131), University of Calabar (115 and 71), Federal University Nasarawa (110), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (98), and Delta State University (95).
JAMB: Court Jails Man for Impersonation
In a related development, a Federal High Court in Katsina sentenced Ibrahim Abdulaziz to three years in prison for impersonation during the UTME conducted by JAMB. The court held that the offence struck at the credibility of public examinations and required firm punishment. Abdulaziz posed as another candidate during the examination held in April 2025.
