Key Points
- House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Chairman, Oboku Oforji, has appealed to JAMB to extend the 2026/2027 admission deadline.
- Public universities are expected to conclude admissions by October 31, 2026.
- Private universities have until November 30, while other tertiary institutions have until December 31.
- Oforji says an extension would give qualified candidates more time to secure admission.
- The lawmaker has called for greater cooperation between JAMB and tertiary institutions to address admission challenges.
Main Story
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Oboku Oforji, has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to extend the deadline for admissions into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Oforji made the appeal in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at the National Assembly. He expressed concern that the tight admission schedule could prevent some qualified candidates from securing places in their preferred institutions.
According to the lawmaker, extending the deadline would give prospective students more time to complete the admission process and improve their chances of gaining access to higher education.
He said many young Nigerians remained eager to pursue their education despite the challenges they faced, adding that the admission process should recognise their determination and give them a fair opportunity.
Oforji also urged JAMB to show flexibility by allowing universities and candidates additional time to complete the necessary procedures.
He disclosed that the appeal had been formally communicated to the examination body and expressed hope that both parties would work together to improve access to education.
The lawmaker maintained that providing candidates with adequate time would support the country’s educational objectives and help prevent qualified students from missing admission opportunities because of tight deadlines.
The Issues
The appeal comes as tertiary institutions approach the deadlines set by JAMB for completing admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
In a statement issued on Monday, the examination body directed public universities to conclude their admission processes on or before October 31, 2026. Private universities have until November 30, while other tertiary institutions are expected to complete their admissions by December 31.
The October 31 deadline leaves public universities with limited time to conclude their admission exercises, particularly where candidates are still awaiting decisions or considering available offers.
For many prospective students, securing admission involves several stages, including meeting institutional requirements, completing screening exercises and receiving an official offer.
Delays at any stage can create uncertainty for candidates who need to make decisions about accommodation, school fees and other preparations for the academic year.
An extension could provide additional time for institutions to process applications and for candidates to respond to admission offers. However, any change would depend on JAMB’s decision and the arrangements made with affected institutions.
What’s Being Said
Oforji said the commitment shown by young Nigerians seeking higher education should encourage authorities to make the admission process as accessible as possible.
He stressed that qualified candidates should not lose opportunities unnecessarily because of time constraints.
The lawmaker also called for continued cooperation between JAMB, tertiary institutions and other relevant stakeholders to resolve admission-related challenges.
His appeal places the focus on balancing the need for an organised admission timetable with the circumstances of candidates who are still seeking placement.
JAMB, meanwhile, has emphasised the importance of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which enables institutions to manage admissions and allows candidates to monitor and accept offers.
What’s Next
Attention will now turn to JAMB and whether it will consider the request to extend the admission deadlines.
Public universities face the most immediate pressure, with the October 31 cut-off approaching. Private universities and other tertiary institutions have additional time under the existing schedule.
Candidates are advised to monitor official JAMB announcements, check their admission status through CAPS and follow instructions issued by their chosen institutions.
Until JAMB announces any changes, candidates and institutions should continue to work with the published deadlines.
Bottom Line
Oforji’s appeal highlights the pressure that tight admission timelines can place on students seeking higher education in Nigeria.
An extension could give candidates and institutions more time to complete outstanding procedures, but it would require clear communication and coordination across the tertiary education system.
Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that qualified students have a fair opportunity to secure admission while maintaining an orderly and transparent process.
