By Our Correspondent
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set August 31, 2026, as the deadline for candidates to accept admissions offered to them through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
The directive has, however, triggered reactions from applicants and prospective students, with some questioning the timing of the deadline, particularly as several universities are yet to conduct their post-UTME screening exercises or release their admission lists.
The development has left some candidates concerned that they could be forced to make decisions before all institutions have completed their admission processes.
One applicant questioned the rationale behind setting a deadline for candidates while some universities were yet to conduct their post-UTME examinations.
“When some universities are yet to conduct post-UTME?”
Another prospective student criticised what the candidate described as an imbalance in the admission process, arguing that institutions should also be given timelines to complete their admission exercises.
“When universities are releasing their admissions in batches? Instead of giving universities deadlines, you’re giving candidates? What manner of policies are you operating? Why are universities delaying the full release of their admissions after all the necessary screening?”
Another person sought clarification on who the deadline specifically applies to, asking whether it concerns new admission seekers or students already enrolled in tertiary institutions who are seeking a change of programme or institution.
“Is it for aspirants or candidates that are in school and wanted to switch?”
The reactions reflect growing concerns among candidates over the coordination of admission timelines between JAMB and tertiary institutions.
While JAMB’s CAPS is designed to centralise and coordinate admissions, candidates often rely on institutions to complete screening, verification and other internal processes before admission offers are uploaded.
The August 31 deadline has therefore generated questions among candidates who are still waiting for universities to conclude their post-UTME exercises or release their admission lists.
For affected candidates, the key concern is whether they will have sufficient opportunity to consider available admission offers before the deadline, especially where their preferred institutions are yet to conclude their admission processes.
Candidates are consequently advised to monitor their JAMB CAPS profiles and official communication from their respective institutions closely for updates on their admission status.
