The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed new deadlines for Nigeria’s 2025 university admissions. Public universities must conclude admissions by October 31, 2025, private universities by November 30, 2025, and all other tertiary institutions by December 31, 2025.
In a statement after the 2025 Policy Meeting chaired by the Minister of Education, JAMB emphasized that institutions must act within the stipulated timelines. Even if schools are not ready to commence a new academic session, they are required to complete admissions and archive them for record purposes.
Why JAMB Introduced the New Schedule
JAMB explained that the move is aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s academic calendar and ensuring equitable access to admission slots. The board noted that late admissions have historically disrupted school calendars and delayed academic progress.
To ensure compliance, institutions conducting post-UTME screenings were directed to conclude all processes early enough to meet the 2025 deadlines. This, JAMB said, will create a fairer and more transparent admissions cycle.
JAMB’s Warning to Institutions
Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede issued a stern warning to universities and polytechnics that have failed to submit their matriculation lists for previous admission sessions. He stated clearly that institutions that neglected to send their 2022 and 2023 matriculation lists would not have their 2024 and 2025 admissions approved.
This directive followed persistent cases where some institutions ignored the Board’s submission requirements, with a few not making any submissions for three consecutive academic sessions.
Tackling Admission Fraud Through CAPS and NML
JAMB reiterated that the automation of the National Matriculation List (NML) through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is key to curbing admission fraud. The NML serves as the official confirmation of a student’s admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Failure to submit the NML also disqualifies institutions from competing for the National Tertiary Admission Performance-Merit Award (NATAP-M Award), which recognizes excellence in the admissions process.
To enforce compliance, the Registrar ordered adverts in major newspapers warning that admissions from defaulting institutions would not be recognized. Admissions Desk Officers across institutions were also instructed to ensure strict adherence to the directive.
