Congratulations! If you are reading this, it likely means you have been offered a spot at the prestigious Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. This is a massive achievement. However, getting the offer is only the first half of the journey. To officially become a student, you must cross the finish line by completing your screening.

The university management has just shared some very important news: The screening exercise has been extended by one week. You now have until Friday, January 23rd, 2026, to finish everything.

1. Why Was the Deadline Extended?

You might wonder why the university decided to give everyone more time. The main reason is to help you!

DELSU needs to send a final list, called the Matriculation List, to JAMB (the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board). This list tells the government exactly who the official students are for the 2025/2026 school year. If your name is not on this list because you didn’t finish your screening, JAMB will not recognize you as a student. This could cause big problems later when you try to get your degree or go for your youth service (NYSC).

By extending the date to January 23rd, the school is giving every “provisional student” a final chance to get their paperwork in order.

2. The Golden Rule: Accept on JAMB Portal First

Before you even go to the campus for physical screening, there is one thing you must do on your phone or computer.

You must accept your admission on the JAMB Portal.

• The Deadline for this step: Wednesday, January 21st, 2026.

• Who needs to do this? Both UTME candidates and Direct Entry (DE) candidates.

• What happens if you miss it? If you don’t accept the offer on JAMB’s website, DELSU cannot “claim” you. This means they cannot give you a Matriculation Number, and your admission will be cancelled.

3. Candidate vs. Bonafide Student: What’s the Difference?

This is a very important part of the announcement. Ms. Omogbiya, speaking for the Registrar, made it very clear: Until you finish your screening, you are NOT a student yet.

Think of it like being invited to a birthday party. You have the invitation (the admission offer), but until you show up at the door and check in (the screening), you aren’t actually at the party!

4. How to Complete Your Screening Successfully

Now that you have the extra time, don’t waste it! Here is a simple checklist to make sure your screening goes perfectly.

Step 1: Digital Preparation

Log in to the JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System). Check your status. If it says “Admission Recommended” or “Admission Offered,” click the ACCEPT button. Print out your JAMB Admission Letter immediately after.

Step 2: Document Gathering

You will need to bring physical copies of your documents to the university. Usually, this includes:

• Your JAMB Result Slip.

• Your O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).

• Your Birth Certificate or Age Declaration.

• A Letter of Attestation (a letter from a responsible adult saying you are a good person).

• Local Government Letter of Identification (to prove where you are from).

Step 3: The Physical Visit

Go to the screening center at the Abraka campus. Be polite to the Screening Officers. They are there to help you, but they are also very busy. Make sure all your papers are neat and arranged in a file folder.

5. What Happens if You Miss the New Deadline?

The university was very firm about this: Failure to complete the process will result in the loss of your admission.

If Friday, January 23rd passes and you haven’t finished, your spot will be given to someone else on the waiting list. There are thousands of people who want to study at DELSU, so the school cannot wait forever. If you lose your admission, you would have to wait an entire year and write JAMB all over again. Nobody wants that!

6. Important Dates to Put in Your Phone

To help you stay organized, here are the most important dates from the Registrar’s notice:

• Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026: Final day to accept admission on the JAMB Portal.

• Friday, Jan 23, 2026: Final day for the entire screening exercise to end.

• Location: Delta State University, Abraka.

7. Advice for Parents and Guardians

If you are a parent helping your child, please ensure they have checked their JAMB portal today. Sometimes, students think they have “accepted” just by seeing the news, but they actually need to click the button online.

Also, encourage your child to go to the campus early in the morning. Screening centers get very crowded on the final few days of an extension. Arriving at 8:00 AM is much better than arriving at 2:00 PM.

8. Final Message from the University

The Registrar’s office wants every qualified candidate to succeed. This one-week extension is a gift of time. Please do not wait until Friday afternoon to start.

Summary Checklist for a Stress-Free Week:

1. Accept on JAMB (Do it right now!).

2. Print your Admission Letter.

3. Organize your original documents and photocopies.

4. Travel to Abraka safely.

5. Complete your screening and get your Matriculation Number.

Welcome to Delta State University! We are excited to see you on campus as official, bonafide students. Let’s make this 2025/2026 session the best one yet.

Frequently Asked Questions (Simple Answers)

Q: Can I do the screening online?

A: You must accept the admission online via JAMB, but the screening of your physical documents usually happens in person on the university campus.

Q: I accepted on the JAMB portal months ago. Do I need to do it again?

A: No, if you have already accepted and printed your JAMB admission letter, you are ready for the next step: the physical screening.

Q: What if my O’Level result is not out yet?

A: You must present what you have. If you are a “Direct Entry” student, make sure your previous transcripts are ready. Talk to the screening officer if you have a specific problem.

Q: Is the deadline for 2026 or 2025?

A: The screening is for the 2025/2026 session, and the deadline is January 2026.

Final Thoughts

This extension is a clear sign that DELSU cares about its students. By giving you more time, they are helping you secure your future. Take this chance seriously. Once you get that Matriculation Number, you are officially a part of the academic world. You can then focus on your books, join clubs, and start your journey toward your dream career.

Good luck with your screening!

Signed,

The Student Information Desk

(Based on the notice by Ms. Omogbiya, B., for the Registrar)