Every admission cycle in Nigeria follows a similar pattern: thousands of qualified candidates miss early deadlines due to delays in JAMB results, financial challenges, late decision-making, or simply not knowing which schools are still accepting applications. If you find yourself in this situation, there is no reason to panic. This list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission gives you a clear and updated guide to institutions where you can still secure a place for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The truth is that many Nigerian universities — especially private institutions, newer federal universities, and state universities — continue accepting applications well after the initial admission rush. Some operate rolling admissions, while others release supplementary admission lists throughout the year. This list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission covers federal, state, and private institutions across all six geopolitical zones to ensure you find an option that fits your course, budget, and location preferences.

Do not let a missed deadline define your academic future. Read through this guide, identify institutions that match your qualifications, and apply immediately.

Why Are Some Universities Still Open for Admission?

Not all Nigerian universities fill their admission quotas during the first round. Several factors keep admission portals open longer than expected.

Federal universities often release admission in multiple batches — first, second, third, and even supplementary lists. State universities frequently extend deadlines to fill available spaces. Private universities operate rolling admissions throughout the academic year because they are not bound by the same intake constraints as public institutions. Newer universities approved by NUC in recent years also tend to have more available spaces across multiple programmes.

Understanding these patterns helps you take advantage of the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission and submit your application before the final window closes.

Private Universities Still Open for Admission

Private universities dominate the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission because they typically accept applications for a longer period than public institutions. Many private universities run rolling admissions, meaning they accept students as long as spaces remain available.

S/N	University	Location
1	Covenant University	Ota, Ogun State
2	Babcock University	Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
3	Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)	Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
4	Lead City University	Ibadan, Oyo State
5	Bowen University	Iwo, Osun State
6	Caleb University	Lagos
7	Redeemer’s University	Ede, Osun State
8	Bells University of Technology	Ota, Ogun State
9	Ajayi Crowther University	Oyo, Oyo State
10	Al-Hikmah University	Ilorin, Kwara State
11	Wellspring University	Benin City, Edo State
12	Igbinedion University	Okada, Edo State
13	Nile University of Nigeria	Abuja
14	Baze University	Abuja
15	Rhema University	Aba, Abia State

 

Private universities offer the most flexible admission windows, and many of the institutions above accept applications through the first semester and sometimes into the second semester. However, availability changes quickly, so visit each university’s official website to confirm current admission status. This section of the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission is updated regularly, but real-time confirmation from the institution is always the safest approach.

Federal Universities That May Still Have Open Admission Slots

Federal universities appear on the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission primarily through supplementary admission lists and late batch releases. While most federal universities close initial applications early, many continue to release additional admission batches through the JAMB CAPS portal.

S/N	University	Location
1	University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)	Borno State
2	Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)	Kogi State
3	Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE)	Gombe State
4	Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI)	Taraba State
5	Federal University Gusau (FUGUS)	Zamfara State
6	Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA)	Katsina State
7	Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE)	Bayelsa State
8	Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)	Kebbi State

 

Many newer federal universities, particularly those established between 2011 and 2023, tend to have more available spaces than older, established institutions. If you are flexible with location, these universities offer quality federal education at significantly lower fees than private alternatives.

State Universities Still Accepting Applications

State universities form an important part of the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission. Many state-owned institutions extend their admission deadlines or release supplementary lists to fill their quotas.

S/N	University	Location
1	Kwara State University (KWASU)	Malete, Kwara State
2	Sokoto State University	Sokoto State
3	Taraba State University	Jalingo, Taraba State
4	Gombe State University	Gombe State
5	Yobe State University	Damaturu, Yobe State
6	Cross River Univ. of Technology (UNICROSS)	Calabar, Cross River
7	Ebonyi State University (EBSU)	Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

 

State universities generally offer affordable tuition fees and a wide range of courses. They are a practical choice for students who want quality education close to home without the high costs of private institutions. Check each university’s official portal to confirm whether your preferred course still has available spaces.

How to Apply for Late Admission

Once you identify a suitable institution from the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission, follow these steps to apply:

1. Confirm Admission Status: Visit the university’s official website or call their admissions office to verify that applications are still open for your desired course.
2. Check JAMB CAPS Portal: Log in to the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) to see if the institution has sent you an admission offer or if you need to change your institution choice.
3. Purchase the Application Form: If the university requires a separate application or post-UTME form, purchase it through the official portal. Forms typically cost ₦2,000 for public universities and vary for private institutions.
4. Submit Required Documents: Upload your O’Level results (WAEC/NECO), JAMB result slip, passport photograph, and any other documents the university requires.
5. Accept Admission on JAMB CAPS: Once offered admission, accept it immediately on the JAMB CAPS portal. Delayed acceptance can result in your slot being reassigned to another candidate.

How to Use JAMB Change of Institution

If your original university choice is no longer accepting applications, you can use the JAMB Change of Institution feature to switch to any institution on the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission. This process is straightforward:

6. Log in to JAMB Portal: Visit the JAMB e-facility portal at efacility.jamb.gov.ng and log in with your JAMB registration number.
7. Select Change of Institution: Choose the Change of Institution/Course option and select your new preferred university and course.
8. Pay the Fee: The Change of Institution fee is typically ₦2,500. Payment is made directly through the portal.
9. Confirm the Change: After payment, your new institution choice becomes active, and the university can now consider you for admission through JAMB CAPS.

Act quickly when making this change. Popular institutions on this list may close their admission windows at any time as spaces fill up.

Essential Tips for Late Admission Applicants

Applying late requires a smart, focused approach. Here are practical tips to maximize your chances using the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission:

10. Be Flexible with Course Choices: If your first-choice course is full, consider related programmes that still have available spaces. You can always transfer or switch courses after your first year at many universities.
11. Apply to Multiple Universities: Do not limit yourself to one option. Submit applications to two or three institutions simultaneously to increase your chances.
12. Avoid Scams: Never pay admission fees into personal bank accounts or through unofficial agents. All legitimate payments go through official university portals or JAMB platforms.
13. Keep Your Documents Ready: Have certified copies of your O’Level results, JAMB slip, birth certificate, and passport photographs ready for immediate submission.
14. Monitor JAMB CAPS Daily: Check your JAMB CAPS profile every day during the admission period. Universities send offers through CAPS, and delayed responses can cost you your admission slot.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission?

It is a regularly updated compilation of federal, state, and private universities across Nigeria that are currently accepting admission applications for the 2026/2027 academic session. The list includes institutions offering regular admission, supplementary admission, and rolling admission.

Can I still gain admission after the main JAMB admission period?

Yes. Many universities, especially private institutions and newer federal and state universities, continue accepting applications well after the initial admission period. Supplementary admission lists, rolling admissions, and late batch releases create opportunities for students who apply late.

Do I need to write another JAMB exam to apply to a different university?

No. Your existing JAMB score remains valid for the entire admission cycle. You can use the JAMB Change of Institution feature to switch to any university on the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission without rewriting the exam. You only need to pay the change of institution fee.

Are private universities that accept late admission accredited?

Yes. All universities on the list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission hold full NUC accreditation. Always verify accreditation status by checking the NUC official website before applying. An accredited degree carries the same national and international recognition regardless of when during the session you gain admission.

How much does it cost to apply for late admission?

Application fees vary by institution. Federal and state universities typically charge ₦2,000 for post-UTME screening forms. Private universities may charge between ₦5,000 and ₦20,000 for application processing. The JAMB Change of Institution fee is ₦2,500.

Is it too late to gain admission for 2026/2027?

Not at all. The list of universities in Nigeria that are still open for admission is regularly updated, and many institutions accept applications throughout the academic year. Private universities with rolling admissions often accept students up until the start of the second semester. The key is to act quickly once you identify a suitable institution.

 

Conclusion

Missing the first admission window is not the end of your academic journey. Dozens of Nigerian universities — federal, state, and private — continue to accept applications throughout the admission cycle. The institutions listed in this guide offer legitimate opportunities for students who are willing to be flexible, act quickly, and apply strategically.

Start by confirming each university’s current admission status through their official website, prepare your documents, and submit your application without delay. Every day you wait is a day closer to the final deadline. Take action now, secure your admission, and begin the academic journey that will shape your future career.