JAMB Extends 2025 University/Polytechnic Admission Deadline — What This Means for Applicants and Institutions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially extended the 2025 admission deadline for public universities across Nigeria. The extension aims to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and a seamless admission process for all qualified candidates.

The announcement was made by JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in a statement released late Sunday. He explained that the decision follows an appeal from university authorities and new developments in the higher education sector.

According to the statement, the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions—chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON)—had earlier set October 31, 2025, as the deadline for public universities to conclude their admission processes. However, JAMB has now extended the deadline to Monday, November 17, 2025.

Benjamin commended the diligence and commitment demonstrated by universities toward meeting the initial date, which was designed to allow private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to complete their admissions ahead of the overall closing date of December 31, 2025.

He emphasized that the decision to grant an extension was based on two major considerations affecting the admission process nationwide.

Why JAMB Extended the 2025 Admission Deadline

1. Court Order and Legal Delays:
   The Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) had requested an extension due to a court injunction that temporarily halted the 2025/2026 admission process. The court’s directive to maintain the status quo caused a delay, and the injunction was only lifted on October 28, 2025.
2. Newly Accredited University Programmes:
   In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the National Universities Commission (NUC) released a list of 229 newly accredited programmes across 37 universities on October 29, 2025. Admission exercises into these new programmes are just beginning, hence the need for more time.

Benjamin noted that the extension will give universities the opportunity to conclude their admissions fairly and transparently while accommodating the newly approved programmes.

Final Deadline and Compliance Notice

While extending the deadline, JAMB urged all public universities to adhere strictly to the new date, stressing that November 17, 2025, is final.

“The Board appreciates the efforts of all institutions for their tireless commitment to the admission process,” Benjamin stated. “However, this new deadline is final and must be strictly observed.”

He further reiterated JAMB’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible, and technology-driven admission system that supports national education goals and respects institutional autonomy.

Implications for Students and Universities

The extension offers relief to thousands of candidates awaiting admission decisions. It also provides universities with the flexibility to process admissions into newly accredited courses and resolve any technical delays caused by the court ruling.

Education analysts view this move as a reflection of JAMB’s readiness to promote inclusivity and equity in tertiary education. The adjustment ensures that no eligible student is denied admission due to administrative or legal challenges beyond their control.

With this update, candidates are advised to regularly check their JAMB admission portals, monitor updates from their chosen institutions, and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the new deadline.

JAMB’s decision is expected to reduce admission-related tensions, promote transparency, and strengthen coordination between federal institutions, the NUC, and the Ministry of Education.