The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has pushed forward the deadline for the sale of its 2026 Direct Entry (DE) application forms, giving prospective candidates more time to complete their registration. The new closing date is now set for May 8, 2026.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the extension is part of the board’s broader effort to ensure that all qualified applicants have a fair opportunity to secure admission into tertiary institutions through the Direct Entry route.
Benjamin explained that the decision reflects JAMB’s ongoing commitment to widening access to higher education and easing the registration process for candidates nationwide.
He emphasised that no eligible applicant should miss out due to logistical or technical challenges.
In addition to extending the deadline, JAMB has approved five new registration centres aimed at reducing congestion in high-demand areas.
These centres include the Centre for Open and Distance Learning at the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, Bells University of Technology in Ota, Olabisi Onabanjo University Centre 1 in Ago-Iwoye, the Prof. Usman E-Learning Centre at the Federal College of Education (Special) in Oyo State, and the Human Development Initiatives facility at Grace House in Lagos State.
The Lagos centre is scheduled to commence operations on April 30, 2026.
JAMB also reassured candidates that all accredited Professional Registration Centres (PRCs) and Professional Testing Centres (PTCs) across the country remain fully operational for the ongoing exercise.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the extended timeline and additional registration points to complete their applications well before the new deadline.
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The board reiterated that these measures are designed to make the process more inclusive and convenient, particularly for those who may have previously encountered difficulties accessing registration services.