Admission Deadline: Nov 30 and Dec 31, 2026

The time is running on the 2026/2027 admissions. Private universities must finish their admissions by 30 November 2026. That is about three weeks from today. Public schools have until 31 December.

Quick answer: Private universities: 30 November 2026. Public universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education: 31 December 2026. After the deadline, a school can no longer see the candidate list on JAMB CAPS. Check your admission status now.

What are the admission deadlines?

JAMB announced these dates at its admission policy meeting in May 2026, as Voice of Nigeria reported:

• Private universities: 30 November 2026
• Public universities: 31 December 2026
• Polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education: 31 December 2026

JAMB warned that schools that do not finish in time will lose access to the candidate list on CAPS. That is JAMB’s admission platform. So if you are still waiting, the next few weeks matter.

What are the cut-off marks?

The minimum score is 150 for universities and nursing colleges, and 100 for polytechnics. A school may set a higher mark, but it cannot go lower.

Is admission outside CAPS allowed?

A MySchoolNews report says the Federal Government has outlawed university admissions outside CAPS and warned schools of heavy sanctions. In simple words: if a school gives you “admission” but your name is not on CAPS, be careful. You could be wasting your money and your time.

Good news for NCE students

The 2026 policy meeting also made a big change for some candidates. Reports say that candidates for NCE and agriculture programmes in colleges of education no longer have to write UTME. They must still meet other rules, such as the right O’level credits and a JAMB matric number. Check with the school you want, because each school may ask for more.

Watch out for fake admission lists

Every admission season, fake lists go around on WhatsApp and social media. Do not trust a list that is not on the school’s official website or on CAPS. Never pay “processing fees” to a stranger. If you are in doubt, call or visit the admissions office.

What to do this week

1. Log in to JAMB CAPS with your profile. Check if you have any offer.
2. Check the school’s own portal and your email. Some offers come there first.
3. Accept or reject on CAPS as the page says. Do not delay if you have an offer you want.
4. Pay acceptance or school fees only through the school’s official portal. Keep the receipt.
5. Prepare your documents: O’level result, birth certificate, passport photos and your NIN.

If you have not got admission yet

Do not panic. Here is what you can do.

• Ask the admissions office of your school if the list is complete.
• Look at schools that have not yet filled their courses. Read their notices on their official websites.
• Think about another course with the same subjects, but only if you are happy with it.
• If the deadline passes, plan early for the next UTME. Our study tip on self-testing will help.

Watch JAMB’s official channels for any extension or new notice. We have not seen one at the time of writing.

A simple three-week plan

Don’t forget to use your time wisely when you are still waiting for admission.. Here is an easy plan up to the private universities’ deadline.

• This week: Check CAPS and your email every day. Collect all documents in one folder, with copies on your phone.
• Next week: Visit or call the admissions office of your school. Ask if your name is on the list and what is still needed.
• Week three: If you have an offer, accept it and pay the right fees. If you have none, look at other schools that still have space.

Documents to keep ready

• UTME result slip and JAMB registration number
• O’level result (WAEC or NECO) or a verified statement
• Birth certificate or age declaration
• Passport photographs
• Your NIN slip
• Local government identification or state of origin letter, if the school asks
• Receipts for every payment you have made

Mistakes to avoid

• Paying for “backdoor” admission. If your name is not on CAPS, you may lose your money and your place.
• Ignoring your email. Many offers and notices come by email.
• Waiting too long to accept. Other candidates are waiting for places too.
• Giving your CAPS login to a friend or agent. Keep your password private.

Frequently asked questions

What happens after the deadline?

The school loses access to the candidate list on CAPS, so it cannot give admission through the platform.

Can a school admit me with 140?

No. The 2026 minimum is 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics. Schools may set higher marks.

Do I need Post-UTME to get admission?

It depends on your school. Read our Post-UTME fee post for the rules.

Can I still get admission after 30 November?

Private universities must finish by that date. Public schools have until 31 December, so keep checking those.

Is there an extension?

We have not seen one. Watch JAMB’s official pages for any new notice.

See more in our school admission guides and JAMB guides.