JAMB Mandates October Deadline For Public Universities To Complete 2025 Admissions.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed all public universities in Nigeria to finalise their 2025 admission processes by 31 October 2025. The directive, announced in JAMB’s weekly bulletin on 18 August 2025, also sets deadlines for private universities to conclude admissions by 30 November 2025, and all other tertiary institutions, whether public or private, by 31 December 2025. The decision, approved during the 2025 Policy Meeting chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, aims to stabilise Nigeria’s academic calendar and ensure equitable access to admission opportunities across all tertiary institutions.
JAMB’s directive requires institutions to complete admissions promptly, even if they are not yet ready to commence the new academic session. The board has instructed universities to conduct and archive their admission processes within the specified timelines to avoid disruptions. “Even where an institution is not yet ready to commence the new academic session, such an institution should conduct its admission and archive it,” JAMB stated, emphasising the importance of adhering to the schedule to streamline the academic year.
Additionally, JAMB has urged institutions conducting post-UTME screenings to finalise these exercises well in advance to meet the deadlines. The board highlighted that timely completion of post-UTME screenings is critical to ensuring compliance with the 2025 admission schedule. This move is part of JAMB’s broader effort to curb admission fraud and enhance efficiency through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which automates the National Matriculation List to confirm student admissions.
The directive also includes stringent measures to enforce compliance. JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, warned that institutions failing to submit their matriculation lists for the 2022 and 2023 admission sessions will face penalties, including the non-approval of their 2024 and 2025 admissions. This follows concerns over some institutions’ persistent failure to submit required documentation, hindering efforts to maintain a transparent admission process.
As part of the 2025 admission guidelines, JAMB has reiterated that candidates must upload their O’level results to the JAMB portal, especially following the release of the 2025 WAEC SSCE results. Candidates awaiting results will only be considered once their results are uploaded. The board has also maintained the minimum admission age of 16, though a recent adjustment allows institutions to admit candidates who will turn 16 by 31 August 2025, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
This directive has been welcomed by education stakeholders, who see it as a step towards a more structured and predictable academic calendar. Students and parents are encouraged to act swiftly to meet admission requirements, with JAMB urging candidates to monitor their admission status closely and respond to offers within the stipulated timelines to secure their places.