JAMB Extends Direct Entry Application Deadline to May 8, Adds Five Registration Centres

Key facts

• JAMB extended the Direct Entry application deadline to May 8, 2026.
• The extension was announced by Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's public communications advisor.
• Five new registration centres were approved to ease congestion in high-demand locations.
• New centres include CODL at University of Ilorin, Bells University of Technology, and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
• Other centres are Prof. Usman E-Learning Centre in Oyo and Human Development Initiatives in Lagos.
• The new centres began operations on April 30, 2026.
• All existing JAMB Professional Registration Centres and Testing Centres remain open.

Extension Announced to Widen Access

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has pushed back the deadline for the sale of Direct Entry (DE) application forms to May 8, 2026, from an earlier closing date. The decision, announced on Wednesday via a statement on X by the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, is part of efforts to ensure that no eligible candidate is denied the opportunity to enter tertiary education. Benjamin said the extension was taken to accommodate more applicants and ease access to registration facilities across the country. The board's statement read: “In furtherance of its objective of expanding access to tertiary education, the Board has extended the sale of Direct Entry application documents to 8th May 2026.”

Five New Centres to Reduce Congestion

To facilitate a smoother application process, JAMB approved five additional registration centres, particularly in areas experiencing high demand. The new centres include the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State; Bells University of Technology in Ota, Ogun State; and Olabisi Onabanjo University Centre 1 in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Also added are the Prof. Usman E-Learning Centre at the Federal College of Education (Special) in Oyo, Oyo State, and Human Development Initiatives (Grace House) in Iwaya, Sabo, Lagos. These centres commenced operations on April 30, 2026, and are intended to ease congestion and improve access for candidates completing their Direct Entry registration.

Existing Centres Remain Operational

Benjamin reminded candidates that all JAMB Professional Registration Centres (PRCs) and Professional Testing Centres (PTCs) nationwide remain open for the ongoing registration exercise. The board’s move aims to ensure that no prospective Direct Entry candidate is denied access to tertiary education opportunities in the country. The extension and new centres come as part of broader measures to expand access to higher education in Nigeria, where demand for university placements often outstrips supply.

Background and Stakes

Direct Entry is one of two main pathways into Nigerian universities, allowing candidates with advanced qualifications such as National Diplomas or A-Levels to apply for admission. The extension addresses concerns that many eligible candidates might miss the original deadline due to logistical challenges or high demand at registration points. By adding centres in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara states, JAMB is targeting some of the most populous regions where congestion has been reported. The board’s proactive stance reflects ongoing efforts to improve the admissions process and reduce barriers for prospective students.

What Comes Next

With the new deadline set for May 8, 2026, candidates now have additional time to complete their applications. The board has not indicated whether further extensions will be granted, but the creation of new centres suggests a commitment to ensuring accessibility. Observers will be watching to see if the additional centres adequately reduce congestion and whether the board will take similar steps for the main UTME registration process. For now, the extension offers a reprieve for thousands of Direct Entry applicants across Nigeria.

Broader Implications for Tertiary Access

JAMB’s decision underscores the persistent challenge of equitable access to higher education in Nigeria. By extending deadlines and expanding physical registration points, the board is attempting to address infrastructural and logistical hurdles that disproportionately affect candidates in rural or underserved areas. The move also signals a responsive approach to public feedback, as the board adjusts its processes to meet demand. Whether these measures will be sufficient to accommodate all eligible candidates remains an open question, but the extension provides a tangible step toward widening participation.

The bottom line

• JAMB extended the Direct Entry application deadline to May 8, 2026, to ensure no candidate is denied access.
• Five new registration centres were added in high-demand locations, starting operations on April 30.
• All existing JAMB registration and testing centres nationwide remain open.
• The extension and new centres aim to ease congestion and improve access to tertiary education.
• The board's spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, announced the changes via a statement on X.
• The move reflects ongoing efforts to address logistical barriers in Nigeria's university admissions system.