The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official body that regulates admissions into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. One of the most common concerns among students is whether they can do a change of institution after accepting admission on JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System).
This is a very important question because admission decisions affect a student’s future. Many candidates may accept an admission offer and later discover that another institution is better for them, or that their course of study does not match their career goals. Others may get offers from multiple institutions or want to transfer because of financial, location, or personal reasons.
In this article, we will carefully explain:
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What it means to accept admission on JAMB CAPS.
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Whether JAMB allows change of institution after accepting admission.
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The risks and consequences of making changes.
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Alternatives if you want to change school or course.
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Step-by-step process for handling such cases.
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Answers to the most frequently asked questions by Nigerian students.
Understanding JAMB CAPS and Admission Acceptance
Before addressing the main question, it is important to understand how JAMB CAPS works and why admission acceptance matters.
What is JAMB CAPS?
JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) is an online platform where all Nigerian tertiary institutions submit their admission lists for approval. Students also use it to monitor their admission status.
Through CAPS, candidates can:
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Check if they have been offered admission.
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Accept or reject admission.
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View available institutions or programs.
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Track changes made by institutions.
What Does Accepting Admission Mean?
When you click “Accept” on CAPS, you are officially telling JAMB that you agree with the offer given by the institution. Once accepted:
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JAMB records you as a student of that institution.
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Your admission status changes permanently to “Admitted.”
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Other institutions may no longer consider you for admission in the same session.
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You can print your admission letter from JAMB’s portal.
This is why many students worry whether they can still change institutions after pressing that “Accept” button.
Can You Do Change of Institution After Accepting Admission?
The short answer is: It is very difficult and sometimes impossible to do a change of institution after accepting admission on JAMB CAPS.
Here is why:
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JAMB’s Policy – Once you accept an admission offer, JAMB locks it into their database. This confirms your admission and prevents multiple institutions from admitting the same candidate in one session.
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Institutional Control – After JAMB confirms your admission, your new school will also recognize you as a student. Changing again means JAMB would need to cancel the previous admission before approving another one.
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System Limitations – The “Change of Institution” option on JAMB’s portal is usually disabled once admission has been accepted. This means you may not even see the option anymore.
When Is Change of Institution Still Possible After Acceptance?
Even though it is very hard, there are some rare situations where students may still change institutions after accepting admission. These include:
1. If the Institution Withdraws Your Admission
Sometimes, a school may withdraw or cancel an admission if the candidate fails to meet requirements such as:
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Wrong O’level subject combinations.
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Incomplete registration.
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Failure to pay acceptance fee before the deadline.
If the admission is withdrawn, JAMB may reopen your profile to allow another institution to consider you.
2. If You Have Not Printed Admission Letter
If you accepted admission but have not printed your JAMB admission letter, there is still a slim chance to apply for change of institution by contacting JAMB directly. However, this is not guaranteed.
3. Through JAMB Regularization
In special cases, JAMB allows regularization for students who want to correct admission details or move to another institution. This process takes time and may require approval from both JAMB and the new school.
4. When an Institution Offers You Upgrade or Transfer
Some institutions may recommend candidates for transfer to another program or school if they fail to meet certain requirements. In such cases, JAMB may process the new admission despite the earlier acceptance.
Why Most Students Regret Accepting Admission Too Early
Many Nigerian students click “Accept” on JAMB CAPS immediately after seeing admission, without thinking about the long-term consequences. Here are common regrets:
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Better Offer Later – Another institution may later release admission, but the student is already locked to the first school.
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Wrong Course – Some students later realize the course does not fit their passion or career.
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Financial Problems – The chosen school may be too expensive.
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Distance – Parents may not want their child studying far from home.
These regrets are the main reasons students start asking: “Can I still change after accepting admission?”
Risks of Attempting Change of Institution After Acceptance
Trying to change institution after acceptance comes with risks:
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JAMB may reject your request completely.
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Your new school may not accept you without official approval.
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You may lose both admissions and be left with no option in that year.
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Delay in processing may cause you to miss lectures or registration deadlines.
This is why experts always advise students to think carefully before clicking “Accept.”
Alternatives If You Cannot Change Institution After Acceptance
If it turns out that you cannot change your institution after accepting admission, you still have some options:
1. Accept and Proceed with the Admission
If the school is accredited and the course is reasonable, you may continue your studies instead of wasting another year. Many students later adjust and perform well.
2. Apply for Inter-University Transfer
Some universities allow transfer of students from one school to another after the first year. This option requires:
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A good academic performance (usually CGPA of 3.5 and above).
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Approval from both the old and new schools.
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Payment of transfer fees.
3. Defer Admission and Reapply Next Year
If you really do not want the course or school, you can defer your admission and reapply next session with a fresh UTME. This option, however, costs money and time.
4. Use JAMB Regularization Later
If you gain admission into another institution through direct means, you may use JAMB regularization to align your admission records later.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do If You Want to Change After Accepting
If you are in this situation, here is a guide to follow:
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Confirm Admission Status – Log in to JAMB CAPS and confirm your admission details.
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Contact the New School – Ask the school if they are willing to admit you despite earlier acceptance.
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Visit JAMB Office – Go to an official JAMB office with your documents and explain your case.
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Apply for Regularization (if needed) – Fill the regularization form and pay the required fee.
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Wait for Approval – JAMB will investigate before deciding.
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Follow Instructions – If JAMB approves, proceed with the new school. If not, continue with your current admission.
Key Points at a Glance (Summary Table)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change institution after accepting admission? | Usually no, except in rare cases. |
| Why is it difficult? | JAMB locks your record after acceptance. |
| When is it possible? | If admission is withdrawn, before printing letter, or through regularization. |
| What are the risks? | Losing both admissions or delays in registration. |
| What are the alternatives? | Transfer, deferment, or continue with current admission. |
| What is the safest advice? | Think carefully before accepting admission on CAPS. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can JAMB cancel my admission after I have accepted it?
Yes, if the institution withdraws the offer due to errors or incomplete requirements.
2. Can I reject admission after accepting it?
No. Once accepted, it is final unless the school cancels it.
3. Can I change course after accepting admission?
Yes, but only if the institution allows an internal change of course.
4. What happens if I accept admission and don’t report to the school?
The school may remove your name, and JAMB may record you as admitted but not registered.
5. Can I accept admission in two schools?
No. JAMB only allows one admission per candidate per session.
6. How do I transfer from one university to another in Nigeria?
Through inter-university transfer after at least one academic session, depending on GPA and approval.
7. Can I still write JAMB after accepting admission?
Yes, you can register for another JAMB in the following year if you want a new admission.
8. How much is JAMB regularization fee?
The fee is usually around ₦5,000 but may change with new policies.
9. Is it possible to defer admission after acceptance?
Yes, most schools allow deferment for one session if you apply early.
10. Should I wait before accepting admission on CAPS?
Yes. Wait to be sure no better offer is coming before clicking “Accept.”
Conclusion
Changing institution after accepting admission on JAMB CAPS is very difficult and, in most cases, impossible. This is because JAMB locks your record immediately after acceptance, preventing multiple offers. However, in rare situations—such as withdrawal by the school, unprinted admission letter, or through JAMB regularization—students may still get a chance.
The safest advice is: Do not rush to accept admission until you are sure the school and course are right for you. If you find yourself regretting after acceptance, consider alternatives such as inter-university transfer, deferment, or waiting for another JAMB session.
Admission is a life-changing decision, so always think carefully before making a choice.