The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially extended the sale of 2026 Direct Entry (DE) application forms to Thursday, May 8, 2026, giving more candidates extra time to complete their registration.
This update comes as part of JAMB’s effort to ensure that no eligible Direct Entry candidate is denied access to tertiary education due to registration delays or limited access to approved centres.
The Board also approved five additional registration centres across Nigeria to reduce pressure in high-demand areas. For prospective candidates who have not yet completed their DE registration, this extension offers another opportunity to secure admission for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Why JAMB Extended the 2026 Direct Entry Registration
According to JAMB’s official statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the extension was introduced to make sure more qualified candidates can access higher education without unnecessary limitations.
The Board explained that the decision aligns with its broader goal of expanding access to tertiary education across the country, especially for students applying through the Direct Entry route rather than UTME.
This means candidates who hold qualifications such as ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, HND, or equivalent advanced qualifications now have a few extra days to complete their application.
New Deadline for 2026 JAMB Direct Entry Form
The previous deadline has now been shifted from the previous date which was April 25, 2026. The New Deadline is now Thursday, May 8, 2026. Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the final day before beginning registration, as last-minute rush, verification issues, or technical delays could affect successful submission.
Five New JAMB Direct Entry Registration Centres Approved
To ease congestion and improve accessibility, JAMB approved five additional centres for the ongoing Direct Entry registration. The newly approved centres are:
- Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) Mini Campus, University of Ilorin, Kwara State
- Bells University of Technology. Km 8, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State
- Olabisi Onabanjo University. Centre 1, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
- Prof. Usman E-Learning CentreFederal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo State
- Human Development Initiatives (Grace House) No. 2, Iwaya, Sabo, Opposite Onike Girls Junior High School, Onike, Lagos State
JAMB noted that the Lagos centre will officially commence operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026. These centres were added specifically to serve areas experiencing high registration pressure and improve the overall process for applicants.
Other Registration Centres Still Open
JAMB also reminded candidates that its offices nationwide remain open for registration. This includes: Professional Registration Centres (PRCs), Professional Testing Centres (PTCs), JAMB State Offices, and JAMB Zonal Offices.
Candidates can still visit these approved centres to complete their registration and document verification process.
Important Advice for Direct Entry Candidates
If you are planning to apply through Direct Entry in 2026, this is not the time to delay. Registration deadlines can be strict, and missing the final date may mean waiting another admission cycle. Before visiting any centre, ensure you have the following:
- Your O’Level results
- A’Level or equivalent qualification details
- Required personal information
- Valid phone number and email address
- Any necessary institution verification documents
Candidates should also confirm that their awarding institutions have forwarded their verification details to JAMB where required.
Read also: Top 50 Universities in Nigeria 2026: World Rankings (Full List)
JAMB 2026 Admission Requirements for Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria
Conclusion
The extension of the 2026 JAMB Direct Entry registration deadline to May 8 is good news for many candidates who were still trying to complete the process. With five additional registration centres now approved and existing centres still operational nationwide, JAMB has created more room for smoother registration and better access.If you are yet to register, this is the best time to act.
Do not wait until the last minute, take this opportunity to complete your Direct Entry registration before May 8, 2026 and stay ahead in your admission journey.
