Every year, thousands of Nigerian students write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). After the exam, many students realize that the schools or courses they initially selected may no longer be the best choice. This leads them to ask:
How many times can I do change of institution in JAMB?
This is a very important question because your choice of school and course can determine whether you gain admission or not. Also, wrong information about JAMB’s policy on changing institutions and courses can cause panic, wasted money, and missed opportunities.
In this article, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step, and easy-to-understand guide on everything you need to know about the number of times JAMB allows candidates to change institutions, the process, risks, advantages, and related concerns.
Understanding JAMB Change of Institution
What Is Change of Institution in JAMB?
Change of institution simply means updating or modifying the schools you selected during JAMB UTME registration. This is done through the official JAMB portal after the exam.
Candidates usually make this change because of:
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Low JAMB score compared to cut-off marks.
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Desire for a cheaper school with lower fees.
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Moving closer to home due to family reasons.
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Realizing another school has a better program for the chosen course.
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Correcting mistakes made during initial registration.
Difference Between Change of Institution and Change of Course
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Change of Institution: You switch from one school to another (e.g., UNILAG to UNIBEN).
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Change of Course: You remain in the same school but switch programs (e.g., Law to Political Science).
Both processes are done on the JAMB portal but serve different purposes.
How Many Times Can You Change Institution in JAMB?
The official policy is that you can change your institution more than once, but there are certain rules and restrictions attached.
Here are the key points:
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Multiple Attempts Are Allowed – JAMB permits candidates to change their institution more than one time in the same admission year.
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Payment Required Each Time – Each change requires payment of a non-refundable fee (usually ₦2,500).
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Limited to Admission Session – You can only make changes within the admission year; once the session ends, the option closes.
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CAPS Restrictions – After accepting an admission on JAMB CAPS, you may not be able to change institutions again.
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Technical Issues – Sometimes the system may not allow unlimited changes due to JAMB portal settings, so students must be strategic.
In summary, there is no strict limit like “only twice” or “only three times”, but JAMB advises candidates not to abuse the option.
Why JAMB Allows Multiple Changes of Institution
JAMB understands that students may need flexibility in admission processing. Reasons include:
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Changes in cut-off marks announced by schools.
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Sudden increase in school fees.
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New admission opportunities released by polytechnics or colleges.
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Mistakes during initial registration.
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Family relocation.
Allowing candidates to change institutions more than once reduces admission failure rates and helps schools fill available spaces.
Risks of Doing Too Many Change of institution
Even though JAMB permits multiple changes, there are risks to be aware of:
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Wasted Money – Each change costs money, and multiple attempts can be expensive.
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Delay in Processing – Frequent changes may cause confusion and delays in updating your admission status.
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Institutional Rejection – Some schools may reject candidates who changed too late after they have closed their admission lists.
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Confusion in CAPS – Multiple changes can confuse the system and sometimes cause errors in admission status.
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Missed Opportunities – While changing repeatedly, you might miss deadlines from schools you originally selected.
When Should You Do a Change of Institution?
Best Times to Change
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After checking your UTME result and realizing your score does not meet your school’s cut-off mark.
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When your preferred institution has not yet started admission processing.
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Before the institution’s post-UTME screening closes.
Wrong Times to Change
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After accepting admission on JAMB CAPS.
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After the new institution has closed its portal for admission.
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When you are not sure about your decision and may regret later.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do Change of Institution in JAMB
Here is a simple process for Nigerian students:
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Visit JAMB Portal – Go to the official JAMB e-facility portal.
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Login – Use your email and password from JAMB registration.
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Select Correction of Data – Under services, choose “Correction of Data.”
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Choose Change of Institution – Click on “Change of Institution/Course.”
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Make Payment – Pay the fee (about ₦2,500) via Remita or online banking.
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Select New Institution – Enter the schools you want to switch to.
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Submit and Print – Confirm your changes and print the acknowledgment slip.
Pros and Cons of Multiple Changes of institution
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexibility to choose schools that match your score | Each attempt costs money |
| Opportunity to correct mistakes | May delay admission updates |
| Increases admission chances | Too many changes can confuse CAPS |
| Adapts to new information about cut-off marks | Some schools may not recognize late changes |
Real-Life Scenarios
Case 1: Student With Low JAMB Score
A candidate who scored 170 may first choose UNILORIN but later change to a polytechnic because UNILORIN’s cut-off is 200+. Without the option of multiple changes, this student would miss admission.
Case 2: Student Relocating With Parents
If a family relocates from Lagos to Abuja, the child may want to change from LASU to UNIABUJA. The multiple change option makes this possible.
Case 3: Candidate Confused by Course
Some students may first select a science school, then later discover they prefer social sciences. Multiple changes allow them to fix this without being stuck.
Key Points in Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many times can I change institution? | More than once, but not unlimited. |
| Is it free? | No, each change costs ₦2,500. |
| Can I change after accepting admission? | No, unless the admission is withdrawn. |
| When is the best time to change? | Before post-UTME screening and before schools close admission. |
| What are the risks? | Wasted money, delays, and possible rejection. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does change of institution cost in JAMB?
It usually costs ₦2,500 per attempt, excluding cyber café charges.
2. Can I change from university to polytechnic?
Yes, you can change from a university to a polytechnic or college of education.
3. Can I change institution twice in JAMB?
Yes, you can change more than once as long as the portal is open.
4. Is there a deadline for change of institution?
Yes, JAMB closes the correction portal after admission lists are finalized.
5. Can I change institution after post-UTME?
Yes, but only if the new school’s post-UTME form is still available.
6. Can I change both institution and course together?
Yes, you can change both at the same time, but each requires payment.
7. Can I change institution after I have been admitted?
No, once you accept admission on CAPS, you cannot change institutions again.
8. Can I do change of institution at a café?
Yes, most candidates process it at JAMB-approved CBT centers or accredited cafés.
9. Will my old institution still consider me after I change?
No, once you change, your new choice replaces the old one.
10. Should I wait before changing institution?
Yes, wait until you know your UTME score and schools’ cut-off marks.
Conclusion
JAMB allows candidates to do a change of institution more than once in a given admission year. However, each attempt requires payment, and the process must be completed before admission deadlines. While this flexibility is helpful, students should avoid unnecessary changes because it can waste money, delay processing, and reduce admission chances.
The best advice is: Think carefully before making a change and only do it when necessary. This ensures you maximize your admission chances without confusion or wasted resources.