The management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has officially announced the extension of its 2025/2026 undergraduate admission exercise, following a directive from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

This development was confirmed in an internal memorandum released by the Office of the Registrar on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and signed by Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka I. Icha, Registrar of the University. According to the memo, the deadline for the ongoing admission process has been extended to Monday, November 17, 2025, allowing more qualified candidates the opportunity to secure admission into selected academic programmes offered by the University.

Reason for the Extension

The University management explained that the extension follows a directive from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the national body responsible for regulating admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

JAMB’s directive was aimed at ensuring that all universities have sufficient time to process and upload the details of eligible candidates, thereby maintaining a fair and transparent admission system across all institutions.

By extending the admission period, UNICAL seeks to accommodate candidates who were unable to complete their registration earlier and to fill available spaces in departments that still have openings for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Official Statement from the Registrar

In the official memo, the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka I. Icha, urged all suitably qualified candidates who scored 150 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to take advantage of this opportunity by forwarding their requests for admission into the programmes listed in the University’s official notice.

She further clarified that only the programmes specified in the memo are open for admission during this extension period, while all other departments have reached their admission quotas for the session.

“This extension provides an opportunity for eligible candidates to be considered for admission into the University of Calabar. Only the programmes listed below are open for application at this time,” the Registrar stated.

Programmes Available for Admission

The University of Calabar has opened admission opportunities in the following faculties and departments:

1. Faculty of Agriculture
   The Faculty of Agriculture offers a variety of programmes designed to equip students with scientific and technical knowledge for advancing Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and food security.

2. Faculty of Education
   This faculty prepares competent educators and educational administrators who are trained to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s educational development and research.

3. Department of Religious and Cultural Studies
   The department provides students with an in-depth understanding of religion, philosophy, and cultural systems, fostering interfaith dialogue and moral development.

4. Department of Modern Languages and Translation Studies
   This department trains students in French, German, and other international languages while emphasizing translation, communication, and cross-cultural competence.

5. Department of Mathematics
   The Mathematics department offers rigorous academic training in pure and applied mathematics, developing analytical and problem-solving skills essential in research, technology, and data science.

6. Department of Statistics
   The Statistics department focuses on data analysis, modeling, and interpretation—skills highly relevant in today’s data-driven economy and research environment.

The Registrar also emphasized that programmes not listed in the announcement are currently not available for admission, as their admission processes have already been concluded.

Who Is Eligible

All candidates who:

• Participated in the 2025 UTME conducted by JAMB,

• Scored a minimum of 150 marks, and

• Selected the University of Calabar as their first choice institution,

are encouraged to apply for admission under the extended window.

Candidates who did not initially choose UNICAL as their first choice can also participate, provided they effect a change of institution through the JAMB CAPS portal before submitting their admission request.

How to Apply

The University has provided the following guidelines for candidates seeking admission during the extension period:

1. Visit the Official University Website:
   Log on to www.unical.edu.ng and navigate to the Admissions section.

2. Click on “Apply for Admission 2025/2026”:
   Follow the link for the admission extension notice.

3. Login with JAMB Details:
   Enter your JAMB Registration Number and other required personal information.

4. Select Programme of Choice:
   Choose from the list of available programmes provided in the notice.

5. Upload Required Documents:
   Attach relevant credentials including O’Level results, UTME result slip, birth certificate, and passport photograph.

6. Submit and Print Acknowledgment Slip:
   Review your application carefully before submission. After completing the process, print the acknowledgment slip as proof of successful submission.

Candidates are advised to ensure that all documents uploaded are clear and authentic. Any falsification or misrepresentation of information will lead to immediate disqualification.

Why This Extension Matters

The University of Calabar remains one of Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions due to its long-standing tradition of academic excellence, research innovation, and vibrant student life.

By extending the admission deadline, UNICAL demonstrates its commitment to providing equitable access to higher education and supporting the aspirations of thousands of young Nigerians seeking quality university education.

The management highlighted that this development aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to increase university enrollment and expand access to tertiary education across the nation.

A Call for Early Action

Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the final days of the extension period to complete their application. Early submission ensures sufficient time for verification, correction of potential errors, and confirmation of eligibility before the final deadline on Monday, November 17, 2025.

Failure to complete the admission process within this timeframe may result in forfeiture of the opportunity for the current academic session.

The University also cautioned applicants to avoid engaging with unauthorized individuals or websites claiming to facilitate admission. All legitimate information and application procedures are to be accessed only through the University’s official communication channels.

Commitment to Transparency and Excellence

UNICAL reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, fairness, and merit-based selection in all admission processes. The University has maintained a reputation for academic distinction, producing graduates who excel in leadership, research, and community service both within and outside Nigeria.

The institution continues to strengthen its academic programmes, infrastructure, and faculty capacity to meet global standards of teaching and learning.

The Registrar expressed optimism that the extended window will help the University admit more bright and dedicated students who will contribute meaningfully to the institution’s growth and uphold its legacy of excellence.

Contact and Support

For additional information or assistance regarding the admission process, prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the University’s Admissions Office or contact the designated support lines provided on the official website.

Official Website: www.unical.edu.ng
Email: [email protected]
Admission Helpdesk: (Contact numbers listed on portal)

Conclusion

The University of Calabar’s decision to extend the 2025/2026 admission exercise underscores its inclusive academic policy and deep commitment to nurturing future leaders through accessible and quality higher education.

Prospective students are encouraged to seize this opportunity and join the UNICAL community — a place where excellence meets opportunity, and every student is given the platform to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.

“Education is not just about earning a degree; it’s about discovering purpose, passion, and potential. UNICAL invites all aspiring students to be part of this transformative journey,” the University statement concluded.