The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Oboku Oforji, has warned that the tight deadline for completing admissions into public universities for the 2026/2027 academic session could shut out qualified candidates, urging the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to extend the timeline.

Oforji made the appeal in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the National Assembly, expressing concern that the approaching October 31 deadline could disadvantage prospective students who are still seeking admission into universities across the country.

The lawmaker argued that extending the deadline would give universities and candidates additional time to complete outstanding admission procedures, insisting that qualified applicants should not lose the opportunity to pursue higher education because of time constraints.

“It is important that JAMB extend the deadline for the admission of our children across the country. I think it is very important that I appeal to the leadership of JAMB. We have also formally reached out to them to appeal to them, and I believe we are together in this journey for the betterment of education in our country,” he said.

Oforji said he was particularly encouraged by the commitment of young Nigerians to pursue higher education, stressing that the admission process should take their aspirations into account.

“I am particularly happy with the commitment of the children and their level of willingness to go to school. In recognition of this commitment, I think it is important for JAMB to immediately extend the deadline for the admission of our children across the country,” he added.

He urged the examination body to demonstrate flexibility by allowing institutions more time to process applications and conclude admissions, noting that such a move would help prevent qualified candidates from missing out on university education.

According to him, adequate time for completing the admission process would support the country’s broader educational objectives and ensure that eligible candidates have a fair opportunity to secure placement in their preferred institutions.

The lawmaker also called for sustained cooperation between JAMB, university authorities and other stakeholders to address challenges associated with admissions and safeguard the educational aspirations of Nigerian youths.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of admission deadlines announced by JAMB for tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Under the schedule, public universities are expected to conclude their admission processes on or before October 31, 2026, while private universities have until November 30, 2026. Other tertiary institutions are expected to complete their admissions by December 31, 2026.

The October 31 deadline has placed public universities under particular pressure, with the cut-off approaching while some candidates are still awaiting admission decisions.

JAMB has also emphasised the importance of its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), the platform through which institutions process admissions and candidates monitor and accept offers.

Following the restoration of the platform, the Board directed institutions to intensify their admission processes, while advising candidates to promptly accept offers made to them to ensure compliance with the agreed timelines.

In a statement issued on Monday, the examination body said all admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session were expected to be concluded by December 31, 2026.

“Consequently, all admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session are expected to be concluded by 31 December 2026.

“With CAPS now fully operational, institutions are expected to intensify their admission processes, while candidates are equally advised to promptly accept admission offers made to them. This is necessary to ensure that the agreed admission timelines are met.

“Beyond the immediate restoration of the platform, the Board is also putting in place measures to further strengthen the resilience, stability and reliability of CAPS,” the statement read.

CAPS enables institutions to manage admission offers and allows candidates to monitor their admission status and respond to offers.

Oforji’s appeal highlights the need to balance compliance with admission timelines against the circumstances of prospective students, particularly those who have met the relevant requirements but are yet to receive admission decisions.

He maintained that extending the deadline would provide universities and candidates with additional room to complete outstanding procedures and reduce the risk of qualified applicants being left behind in the pursuit of higher education.