Blog

Introduction

Every year, after JAMB and post-UTME exams, thousands of Nigerian students anxiously ask the same big question: “When will universities start giving admission?”

This is one of the most common concerns of admission seekers in Nigeria. Many students check their phones and laptops daily, refreshing the JAMB CAPS portal to see if admission has started. Some even panic when they hear rumors that others have been admitted.

The truth is that university admission in Nigeria follows a timeline set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and individual institutions. Admission does not happen all at once. Instead, it comes in batches over a period of months.

In this guide, we will carefully explain:

• When universities in Nigeria start giving admission

• How the admission process works in 2025/2026

• Step-by-step guide to check your admission status

• Factors that affect when admission is given

• Differences between JAMB admission and school admission lists

• Tips to increase your chances of getting admitted

• Pros and cons of early vs late admission

• A detailed summary table of timelines

• Over 10 FAQs answered clearly

By the end of this article, you will fully understand when universities start giving admission in Nigeria and how to position yourself to secure your place quickly.

What Does “Giving Admission” Mean in Nigeria?

In simple terms, “giving admission” means when a university officially accepts a student into one of its academic programs.

In Nigeria, admission is not just given by the university — it must also be confirmed by JAMB through JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System).

So, admission involves two parts:

1. University Offer: The school decides you qualify for a course.

2. JAMB Approval: JAMB validates and confirms the admission on your CAPS profile.

Only when both steps are complete can you say you have officially been given admission.

When Do Nigerian Universities Start Giving Admission?

For the 2025/2026 academic session, Nigerian universities are expected to start giving admission around October 2025, shortly after JAMB releases results and institutions finish post-UTME screenings.

General Timeline:

• JAMB UTME Examination: Usually held between April – May.

• Release of JAMB Results: Within 48–72 hours after the exam.

• Post-UTME/Screening: June – September.

• Start of Admission on JAMB CAPS: Around October.

• First Batch (Merit List): October – November.

• Second Batch (Catchment/ELDS): November – December.

• Supplementary Lists: January – February.

• Final Admission Deadline: Usually March before new session starts.

This means students should start checking their JAMB CAPS from October 2025. However, some universities may release lists earlier or later depending on their calendar.

Why Admission Does Not Start Immediately After JAMB

Many students wonder why universities don’t just give admission immediately after JAMB. Here are the reasons:

1. Post-UTME Must Be Conducted: Universities wait for their internal exams or screenings.

2. JAMB Policy Meetings: JAMB holds an annual admission policy meeting to approve cut-off marks and timelines.

3. School Senate Approval: Each school must officially approve admission lists.

4. Batch Processing: Admissions are uploaded in stages, not at once.

5. Verification of Results: O’Level results are checked before admission.

So, if you wrote JAMB in May and you don’t see admission by June, don’t panic — the process takes time.

How Do Universities Give Admission?

The admission process in Nigeria follows a structured path:

1. JAMB Exam and Result: Student writes JAMB and gets a score.

2. Choose Institution: Candidate selects universities and courses during JAMB registration.

3. Post-UTME/Screening: Schools conduct entrance exams or online screenings.

4. Admission List Preparation: Universities compile the list of qualified candidates.

5. Upload to JAMB CAPS: Schools send the list to JAMB for approval.

6. JAMB Confirmation: JAMB validates the admission and updates your CAPS profile.

7. Student Accepts Admission: Candidate logs in to CAPS and clicks “Accept.”

8. University Admission Letter: School releases its admission list and asks admitted students to pay acceptance fees.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Admission Status

Method 1: Check via JAMB CAPS

1. Visit JAMB CAPS portal.

2. Log in with your email and password.

3. Click “Check Admission Status.”

4. Choose the current year (2025).

5. Click “Access my CAPS.”

6. Select “Admission Status.”

7. If admitted, click “Accept” or “Reject.”

Method 2: Check via School Portal

1. Visit the official website of your chosen university.

2. Navigate to “Admission List/Status.”

3. Enter your JAMB registration number.

4. Check if your name appears on the list.

Important Note: Always confirm on JAMB CAPS even if your name appears on the school list.

Factors That Affect When Admission Starts

Several things determine when universities begin giving admission:

• University Calendar: Some schools, like UNILAG and UNN, process faster.

• Strike or Delays: ASUU strikes or internal issues can delay admission.

• JAMB Policy Meeting: No admission starts until JAMB approves cut-off marks.

• Accreditation Issues: Courses without NUC accreditation may cause delays.

• Volume of Applicants: Schools with high applications take more time to process.

First Batch vs Second Batch Admission

Admission in Nigeria usually comes in batches:

• First Batch (Merit List): For students who scored very high and met all requirements.

• Second Batch (Catchment/ELDS): For candidates considered under catchment areas or educationally less developed states.

• Supplementary Lists: For students who changed course or filled vacant slots.

So, if you don’t see your name in the first batch, you still have a chance in later lists.

Early Admission vs Late Admission

Pros of Early Admission:

• More time to prepare for registration.

• Better chance of securing hostel space.

• Less stress.

Cons of Early Admission:

• You may still have to wait for the session to officially begin.

Pros of Late Admission:

• Gives extra time to prepare financially.

• Some students use the time to reapply or change course.

Cons of Late Admission:

• Limited hostel spaces.

• Rushed registration.

• May miss out on orientation or early lectures.

Tips to Secure Admission Faster

• Score high in JAMB (250+).

• Perform well in post-UTME.

• Upload your O’Level results on JAMB portal early.

• Choose schools with lower competition.

• Regularly check JAMB CAPS and school portals.

• Accept admission quickly when offered.

Summary Table: When Will Universities Start Giving Admission 2025/2026?