UNILORIN Extends Post-UTME Screening Registration, Direct Entry Applicants Still Unable to Register

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has extended the registration deadline for its 2026/2027 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) screening exercise by one week to accommodate Direct Entry (DE) applicants who are yet to commence their registration.

In a circular issued by the University’s Registrar, Mr. M. A. Alfanla, the institution announced that the registration deadline, initially scheduled to close on Sunday, July 12, 2026, has been extended to Sunday, July 19, 2026.

According to the circular, the extension was “principally to allow the Direct Entry applicants to commence and complete their registration,” while urging candidates and members of the public to take note of the development.

Despite the extension, anxiety continues to grow among many Direct Entry applicants who say they are still unable to access the registration portal as the new deadline draws closer.

Some affected applicants, who spoke with this reporter, expressed fears that they could miss the screening exercise despite meeting the admission requirements. One applicant, who requested anonymity, said candidates had been informed that the delay was linked to ongoing admission processes involving the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), although no official explanation has been issued by the University regarding the technical challenges.

“We appreciate the extension, but many of us still cannot register. We only hope the issue is resolved before the deadline so that no eligible candidate is denied the opportunity,” the applicant said.

The concerns appear to extend beyond the University of Ilorin.

Across social media platforms, Direct Entry applicants seeking admission into other Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have reported experiencing similar difficulties in accessing institutional screening portals. Some applicants claimed they encountered persistent login errors, while others said they had been informed that the challenge was connected to pending admission processes involving JAMB.

Meanwhile, a notice circulated by the JAMB Help Centre advised Direct Entry candidates to remain calm, stating that preparations were ongoing for the activation of the 2026 Direct Entry portal for admission-related activities. According to the update, the activation would enable candidates to complete institutional screening registration, process change of course or institution requests, conversion services, and other Direct Entry admission-related transactions.

The notice also urged candidates to monitor JAMB’s official communication channels for updates once the portal becomes active.

With only days left before the revised registration deadline, prospective Direct Entry candidates have appealed to JAMB and tertiary institutions to ensure the necessary processes are concluded promptly to enable them complete their applications without being disadvantaged.

The University of Ilorin has not issued any further statement beyond the registration extension notice.