The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced an extension of the registration deadline for the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) admission exercise.
The board disclosed that the new deadline is now May 8, 2026, shifting from the earlier closing date of April 25, 2026.
According to JAMB, the extension is intended to give prospective candidates additional time to complete their registration processes and ensure wider participation in the 2026 admission cycle.
A statement from the board, however, emphasised that the latest deadline is final, warning that no further extension would be granted beyond the new date.
“This extension should be utilised effectively by all prospective Direct Entry candidates, as there will be no additional opportunity after May 8,” the board stated.
JAMB advised eligible candidates who are yet to register to proceed immediately to accredited centres and JAMB offices nationwide to complete their applications.
The board reiterated the importance of early registration, noting that delays could affect candidates’ chances of being considered for admission into their preferred institutions.
Direct Entry admission is designed for candidates with advanced qualifications such as
• National Diploma (ND)
• Higher National Diploma (HND)
• Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and
• Equivalent Credentials
seeking admission into universities without sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Stakeholders in the education sector have commended the extension, describing it as a timely intervention that would accommodate more applicants.
They, however, urged candidates to avoid last-minute rush and ensure all required documents are properly uploaded during registration.
