The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Oboku Oforji, has called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to extend the deadlines for completing admissions into public and private universities for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Oforji made the appeal while speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday. He said the existing timetable could prevent some qualified candidates from completing their admission procedures.
JAMB's 2026/2027 admission deadlines
JAMB has directed tertiary institutions to complete admissions within the following periods:
- Public universities: 31 October 2026.
- Private universities: 30 November 2026.
- Other tertiary institutions: 31 December 2026.
The Board has also stated that all admissions for the session should be concluded by 31 December 2026.
Why Oforji wants more time
Oforji argued that institutions and candidates need sufficient time to complete outstanding admission procedures. He urged JAMB to consider the difficulties facing applicants and avoid allowing time constraints to deny qualified students the opportunity to enter tertiary institutions.
"It is important that JAMB extend the deadline for the admission of our children across the country," he said, adding that he had formally contacted the Board's leadership about the request.
He also called for cooperation among JAMB, universities and other education stakeholders to protect candidates' interests.
What candidates should do
JAMB has confirmed that its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is operational and directed institutions to intensify admission processing. Candidates who receive offers have been advised to accept them promptly through CAPS.
Oforji's request is an appeal for an extension, not an announcement that JAMB has changed its deadlines. Candidates and institutions should therefore follow the existing timetable unless the Board issues a revised schedule.
