The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB) has announced the commencement of the sale of application documents for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session.

“The period of registration for UTME candidates, including those from foreign countries, is from Monday, 26th January, 2026 to Saturday, 28th February, 2026,” said JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

In a statement on the Board’s official X handle last night, Oluyede said ” Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria for the 2026/27 academic session.”

The Board stated that eligibility is tied to age, noting that, “Only candidates who will not be less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 are generally eligible to apply/be considered.”

JAMB added that candidates less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 will have to undergo an intensive evaluation to determine their eligibility for a waiver. Such must have scored not less than 80% in each of UTME/ALEVEL, PUTME, SSCE and in the exceptional candidate assessment.

“The UTME results of the underage candidates will be released only at the conclusion of the complete evaluation process.”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who died at the age of 100.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled, and distinguished life devoted to God, family, and humanity.

The Governor said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 100 is also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.

According to him, Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria.

He said:“After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fight for democracy, the delivery of its dividends on a massive scale, and the advancement of human rights and social justice, Mama has now been reunited with Papa in glory.

“Mama was a treasure and a source of joy to all who knew her. She consistently supported us with her prayers and goodwill, spreading joy, comfort, and hope to everyone around her.

“I commiserate with the Onabanjo family, even as I celebrate them for the great gift that Mama was to all of us.

“She stood by her husband through thick and thin and raised children and grandchildren who are today highly distinguished in diverse fields of human endeavour, breaking records and contributing meaningfully to society.

“We bless the Lord for her long and fulfilled life, her legacy of love, strength, deep faith, and commitment to development.

“We will miss her warmth, her wise counsel, her passion for progress, and her prayers. May the Good Lord grant her eternal rest in His bosom.

”Governor Abiodun prayed that God would grant the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Fifty-two suspects, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, arrested following Saturday’s violent protest against rising kidnappings and insecurity, are expected to regain their freedom as early as tomorrow.

The detainees are currently held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre in Esan South-East Local Government Area. Parents of the affected students gathered at the facility, appealing to authorities for the immediate release of their children.

The protest, initially sparked by concerns over frequent abductions in Ekpoma and surrounding communities, reportedly escalated into violence when hoodlums hijacked the demonstration. Incidents included looting, property destruction, attacks on traders, and vandalism at the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.

Osadebamen Ehozogie, President of the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG), who visited the correctional facility, stated that the protest was not organized by genuine students.

He emphasized that it was hijacked by hoodlums and external elements, including groups like the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” (comprising former students or non-students), who exploited the situation for criminal activities.

The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has initiated processes to verify and release bona fide AAU students, with Commissioner for Education Dr. Paddy Iyamu deployed to the Ubiaja facility to oversee the effort.

Authorities maintain that the violence was orchestrated by non-students, and the university was not in session at the time.

Amid widespread calls from groups like the PDP, NANS, SERAP, and figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for unconditional release, the development signals a potential resolution focused on distinguishing innocent students from those involved in the unrest.

The case, involving charges such as malicious damage and armed robbery, was adjourned to February 26, 2026, but efforts continue to facilitate releases through due process.

Parents and student leaders expressed relief at the prospect of freedom, while urging sustained action against the root cause: persistent insecurity in the region.