Green Bridge Weekly Education News Digest (10 - 17 April 2026)

This Week's Highlights: A Snapshot of Nigerian Education News (April 10 - 17, 2026)

The past week in Nigerian education has been a flurry of activity, with significant updates across admissions, academic calendars, and exam schedules. Students and institutions alike are navigating crucial deadlines, postponed tests, and new academic sessions. From extended application windows at the Nigerian Defence Academy to shifts in CBT examinations and school holidays, the sector is buzzing with vital information affecting thousands.

Admissions and Applications: Expanding Opportunities and Extended Deadlines

Prospective students have seen several key application windows and updates this week, offering more time or new avenues for academic pursuits.

Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 78th Regular Course

A major relief for many aspirants, the Nigerian Defence Academy has extended the application deadline for its 78th Regular Course to May 15, 2026. Originally slated to close on April 30, this extension provides additional time for eligible candidates to complete their applications for the highly competitive program.

The NDA 78th Regular Course, open to both male and female Nigerian citizens, offers a unique five-year military and academic training experience, leading to an honours degree and a Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Training costs are fully covered by the Federal Government.

Applicants must register with JAMB, select NDA as their first choice, and meet specific O’Level credit requirements (including English Language and Mathematics) not older than five years. Candidates must be 17-21 years old by August 2026 and meet height and fitness criteria. A crucial screening test, serving as Phase One of the Post-UTME, is set for Saturday, June 6, 2026. Candidates scoring 210 for Engineering courses or 180 for other faculties in UTME are eligible to print their Screening Test Admission Card.

Key Takeaways: NDA 78 Regular Course

• New Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
• Screening Test Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
• Eligibility: UTME score (210 for Engineering, 180 for others), 5 O'Level credits (incl. English & Math) not older than 5 years, age 17-21 by August 2026, medically fit.
• Application Fee: N7,000 via REMITA on the NDA portal.

Kogi State Polytechnic: HND and Part-Time Forms Now Available

Kogi State Polytechnic has commenced sales of admission forms for both its regular Higher National Diploma (HND) and Part-Time programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session. The offerings span various schools including Applied Sciences, Art Design and Printing, Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology, and Management Studies, with specific requirements for each course. Part-Time options include ND, NDS, HND, and Diploma in Law across study centers in Anyigba, Kabba, Okene, and Lokoja.

A key instruction for all applicants is the mandatory processing and submission of academic transcripts to the Registrar. The admission form and screening fees are N10,000 each. The deadline for HND applications is June 16, 2026, while part-time applications close six weeks from the advertisement date, with no extension anticipated.

Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) Business School: Diverse Programs

The Federal University Otuoke Business School (FUOBS) has opened applications for its 2026/2027 academic session. FUOBS boasts a broad spectrum of programs, including Certificate and Short Courses, Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD), Executive and Professional Master’s, regular Master of Science (M.Sc.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Professional Doctorates, and specialized intervention programs like Health Information Management. The school offers flexible learning options, including hybrid, in-person, and strictly virtual modes. Application fees vary by program type, ranging from N25,000 to N50,000, with strict requirements for referees' reports and academic transcripts.

Wesley University: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Pre-Degree Admissions

Wesley University, Ondo, is actively accepting applications for its 2026/2027 academic session across all levels. This includes Post UTME and Direct Entry for a wide array of undergraduate degree programs, with an exclusive 50% tuition fee discount offered on selected courses. For those eyeing advanced degrees, the Postgraduate Admission Form is also open, featuring PGD, M.A., M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. programs, alongside professional options like MBA, MPA, and M.Div.

Furthermore, the university is admitting students into its accredited JUPEB and IJMB programmes, providing nationally recognized pre-degree routes for direct entry into 200 Level in Nigerian universities. Both programs require a minimum of 5 O’Level credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings. Awaiting results may be considered, and campus accommodation is available.

University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship

The University of Port Harcourt, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced the commencement of applications for its 2026 scholarship program. This fully funded opportunity covers tuition, housing, a laptop, research costs, conference attendance, workshop participation, and monthly living stipends, providing comprehensive support for deserving students.

Academic Calendar and Resumption Alerts

Several institutions and states have released crucial updates regarding holidays and resumption dates, helping students and staff plan their academic year.

Kano State Schools: Second Term Holiday and Resumption Dates

The Kano State Government, through its Ministry of Education, has finalized the dates for the 2025/2026 second term holiday and third term resumption for all public and private primary and secondary schools. Day schools are to commence their holiday on Friday, April 17, 2026, while boarding schools will break on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Resumption for the third term is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, for boarding schools, and Monday, May 4, 2026, for day schools.

Kwara State Polytechnic: Second Semester Resumption Shifted

Kwara State Polytechnic has adjusted its second semester resumption date for the 2025/2026 academic session. Students are now expected back on campus on Monday, April 27, 2026, a week later than the initial April 20 date. All academic activities will commence on this new date. On-campus students are advised to check their portals two days before resumption for new hostel allocations.

Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe (FUHSATT): Remedial Studies Kick-off

FUHSATT has announced the official start of academic activities for its School of Remedial Studies on April 20, 2026. All admitted and registered students are to report promptly to the take-off site in Tsafe for lectures, orientation, and academic briefings. The university reported receiving 330 applications, with 216 accepting admission and 104 currently registered. Full degree academic activities are slated to begin with the 2026/2027 academic session.

Exam and CBT Updates: Important Timelines and Procedural Changes

Students preparing for examinations face critical adjustments and new guidelines, particularly concerning JAMB UTME and institutional CBTs.

JAMB UTME 2026: First Session Arrival Time Adjusted

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made a slight but crucial adjustment to the arrival time for the first session of the 2026 UTME. Candidates for the first session are now expected to arrive by 7:00 AM, rather than the earlier 6:30 AM. The scheduled start time remains 8:30 AM, with the session concluding at 10:30 AM. JAMB has clarified that candidates DO NOT need to reprint their examination slips following this change.

What You Need to Know: JAMB 2026 UTME First Session

• New Arrival Time: 7:00 AM
• Scheduled Start Time: 8:30 AM
• Scheduled End Time: 10:30 AM
• Action: No need to reprint slips.

Other session timings for Monday to Friday remain as previously announced by JAMB.

Osun State Polytechnic, Iree (OSPOLY): CBT Postponement

OSPOLY has postponed the Computer Based Test (CBT) for its full-time students. The exams, initially scheduled for April 16 and 17, 2026, will now hold on April 22 and 23, 2026. This shift was made following a request from the Student Union Executives to allow defaulting students to complete their registration exercise. The Polytechnic has firmly stated that no further postponement will be allowed.

Ekiti State University (EKSU): GST Make-up Test

Ekiti State University's Directorate of General Studies has scheduled a make-up test for students who missed the last GST CBT. The test is set for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at PTP 7, commencing at 11:00 AM. Only students who were absent from the previous GST CBT are eligible, and EKSU issued a strict warning against double scores, which will attract penalties.

Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke (OSCOTECH): Mobile CBT Examinations

OSCOTECH has announced a significant change to its 2025/2026 GNS and Entrepreneurship CBT examinations. These exams will now be conducted using students' personal mobile devices. The College emphasized that Entrepreneurship registration remains mandatory, clearly stating: "No Registration, No Examination." Students are urged to complete their registration and prepare their devices, awaiting official announcements on specific exam dates and venues.

Institutional Development: FULOKOJA's Global Push in Medical Education

In a notable move for higher education development, Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA) has initiated discussions with the School of Medicine at Badr University in Cairo (BUC) for a proposed partnership. The collaboration aims to strengthen FULOKOJA’s College of Health Sciences through joint efforts in medical training, research, and staff and student exchange programs. This visit on April 15, 2026, highlighted FULOKOJA's commitment to building a "world-class" College of Health Sciences, especially following its MBBS program's full MDCN accreditation in January 2026.

The discussions covered vital areas such as Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine, supervised elective clinical attachments for students, simulation-based training, and faculty exchange to bridge staffing gaps. This strategic collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the quality of medical education and address Nigeria's critical shortage of healthcare professionals.

Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Deadlines

As the academic calendar progresses, several critical dates demand attention:

• April 20, 2026: FUHSATT Remedial Studies Resumption.
• April 22 & 23, 2026: New dates for OSPOLY Full-Time CBT Examinations.
• April 25, 2026: EKSU GST Make-up Test.
• April 27, 2026: Kwara State Polytechnic Second Semester Resumption.
• May 3 & 4, 2026: Kano State Third Term Resumption for Boarding and Day Schools, respectively.
• May 15, 2026: Extended application deadline for NDA 78th Regular Course.
• June 6, 2026: NDA 78th Regular Course Screening Test.
• June 16, 2026: Deadline for Kogi State Polytechnic HND Admission Form.

Students and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to all announced schedules and requirements to ensure a smooth academic journey.