JAMB Issues Fresh Warning to Public Universities Over Admission Deadline

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning to public universities in Nigeria that are yet to commence or finalize their 2025 admission processes, urging them to act immediately or risk losing their candidates.

According to the board, this directive follows the resolutions reached during the 2025 policy meeting on admissions chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. During the meeting, it was agreed that all public universities must submit their first-choice admission recommendations no later than September 30, while private universities were given until October 31.

JAMB further clarified that the official closing date for the 2025 admission exercise for public universities is October 31, while private universities are expected to wrap up by November 30. Other tertiary institutions such as polytechnics and colleges of education are required to conclude their admission processes by December 31.

The board explained that these timelines are designed to ensure a stable and predictable academic calendar across all tertiary institutions in the country, allowing each sector to conduct its admission exercise efficiently and on schedule.

However, JAMB expressed concern that some public universities have still not submitted any admission recommendations to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) — the platform through which all admissions must be processed. The board described the situation as alarming, especially since the September deadline has already passed.

Among the institutions yet to comply are Northwest University, Kano; Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil; University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Benue State University, Makurdi; Abdulkadir Kure University; Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Funtua.

JAMB called on these institutions to immediately commence and complete their 2025 admissions without further delay. The board warned that any university or tertiary institution that fails to comply within the approved timelines risks having all its unprocessed candidates automatically moved to the next available tier of institutions.

According to the board, strict adherence to these deadlines is necessary to maintain order, transparency, and fairness in Nigeria’s higher education system. JAMB emphasized that the admission process must not be left open-ended, as delays affect the academic calendar and hinder both students and institutions from proper planning.

The board also reminded all stakeholders — including state universities, federal institutions, and private tertiary schools — that the CAPS platform remains the only recognized channel for legitimate admissions in Nigeria. Any admission conducted outside CAPS, JAMB warned, will be deemed invalid and not recognized for NYSC mobilization or other official purposes.

Education experts have commended JAMB for enforcing stricter admission timelines, noting that it helps curb irregularities and ensures that Nigerian universities maintain international academic standards. Many also believe that early conclusion of admissions will enable institutions to begin their academic sessions on time, thereby reducing cases of overlapping or delayed semesters.

Meanwhile, students and parents are advised to monitor their admission status regularly on the JAMB portal and follow up with their respective institutions to avoid missing out on available opportunities.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fairness and merit in the admission process, stressing that every qualified candidate deserves a transparent and timely admission procedure.