JAMB Extends Direct Entry Form Sale to May 8 and Adds Five Registration Centres

Context The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) oversees university entry across Nigeria. Each year, candidates purchase a form, register online, and attend a testing centre. Last year’s rush left many applicants unable to complete the process before the deadline, prompting calls for more flexibility.

Key Facts - The board now accepts Direct Entry forms until May 8, giving candidates an extra week beyond the original cut‑off. - Five new registration sites have been approved: the Centre for Open and Distance Learning at the University of Ilorin (Kwara State), Bells University of Technology (Ota, Ogun State), Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ago‑Iwoye, Ogun State), Prof. Usman E‑Learning Centre at the Federal College of Education (Special) in Oyo, and Human Development Initiatives (Grace House) in Iwaya, Lagos. The Lagos centre will start operations on April 30, 2026. - Communication advisor Fabian Benjamin said the extension is intended to “prevent eligible applicants from being excluded from admissions.” - Existing Professional Registration Centres and Professional Testing Centres remain open nationwide, ensuring continuity of service.

What It Means The deadline shift directly addresses the bottleneck that forced many qualified students to miss the admission window. By adding five centres in strategic locations—two in Ogun, one in Kwara, one in Oyo, and one in Lagos—the board spreads demand more evenly and reduces travel time for applicants in the southwest corridor. Candidates now have a clearer path to complete registration without the last‑minute scramble that previously plagued the system.

Prospective students should use the extended window to verify their eligibility, secure a form, and schedule a testing slot. The new centres will also likely alleviate pressure on existing sites, potentially shortening wait times for document verification and biometric capture.

Looking Ahead Watch for JAMB’s next update on testing dates and any further adjustments to the registration process as the May 8 deadline approaches.