JAMB Announces Start of 2026 Direct Entry Registration Across Nigeria
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially declared the commencement of the 2026 Direct Entry registration process, marking a significant milestone for prospective university applicants in Nigeria. This announcement was made public on Monday, March 2, 2026, through the board's official social media channels, setting the stage for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions via the Direct Entry route.
Registration Timeline and Key Details
The registration exercise kicked off on March 2, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This provides candidates with a window of nearly two months to complete their application processes. In an official statement posted on X, JAMB emphasized that the sale of application documents is now active and will remain so until the specified deadline.
Access Points for Registration
JAMB has clarified that the registration service is exclusively available at its offices nationwide. This directive aims to ensure that applicants utilize official channels, thereby avoiding unauthorized centres and potential fraud. The board's emphasis on in-office registration underscores its commitment to maintaining transparency and security in the admissions process.
Official Statement from JAMB
In the announcement, JAMB wrote: "2026 Direct Entry Registration: This is to inform the prospective DE applicants that sale of application document has commenced today Monday, 2nd March 2026 and will end by Saturday, 25th April 2026. Please, note that this service can be accessed only at our offices nationwide."
This statement reinforces the board's efforts to streamline operations and provide clear guidelines for all stakeholders involved in the Direct Entry application process.
Background on JAMB and Its Role
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, established in 1978, is Nigeria's premier examination body responsible for admissions into tertiary institutions. It oversees the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for prospective undergraduates and manages Direct Entry applications for universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education across the country. Headquartered in Bwari, Abuja, JAMB operates under the leadership of a Registrar and plays a pivotal role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and standardization in Nigeria's higher education admissions system.
Related Developments in JAMB's Operations
In related news, JAMB has recently completed the final phase of automating its digital question-setting process for the 2026 UTME. According to Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar, this initiative, which began about a decade ago, aims to make examination processes more efficient, cost-effective, and secure. He made these remarks during a training programme for test developers at the University of Ibadan on February 24, 2026, highlighting the board's ongoing efforts to enhance its technological infrastructure.
The 2026 Direct Entry registration marks a crucial step for students aiming to advance their education through Nigeria's tertiary institutions, with JAMB continuing to uphold its mandate of facilitating equitable access to higher education.
