Every year, many Nigerian students who sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) need to change their institution choice. This usually happens after results are released and candidates realize that their initial choices may not secure them admission.
But before making this important decision, one of the most common questions students ask is: “How much is JAMB change of institution in 2025?”
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about:
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The current fee for JAMB change of institution in 2025,
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The requirements you must meet,
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The step-by-step process,
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The risks of not changing your institution on time,
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And answers to the most frequently asked questions from candidates.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to confidently process your change of institution without confusion.
What Is JAMB Change of Institution?
JAMB Change of Institution is a service provided by JAMB that allows candidates to switch from one university, polytechnic, or college of education to another after they have completed UTME registration.
For example:
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If you initially chose the University of Ibadan but later discover your score is not high enough, you may decide to switch to another university with a lower cut-off mark.
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If you gained admission into a polytechnic but prefer a university, you can change your institution choice accordingly.
This flexibility ensures that students still have opportunities for admission even if their first choices don’t work out.
Why Do Students Change Their Institution in JAMB?
Many candidates apply for JAMB change of institution each year. Below are the most common reasons:
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Low JAMB Score – Candidate’s score is below the cut-off mark of their first-choice institution.
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Admission Chances – They want to apply to schools with higher admission chances.
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Preferred Location – Some candidates prefer schools closer to home or in specific states.
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Course Availability – Their preferred course is not available in the institution they initially selected.
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Financial Reasons – Switching to a more affordable school to reduce tuition and accommodation costs.
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Screening & Post-UTME Factors – Some schools conduct tough screening or high cut-off exams, so candidates opt for less competitive ones.
How Much Is JAMB Change of Institution in 2025?
The official JAMB change of institution fee in 2025 is ₦2,500 per change.
However, additional charges may apply depending on where you process it:
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Service charge at CBT centres: ₦700 – ₦1,000.
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Cybercafé printing charges (optional): ₦200 – ₦500.
So, in total, you should budget ₦3,000 – ₦3,500 for a complete JAMB change of institution in 2025.
Requirements for JAMB Change of Institution
Before you can apply, you must have:
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JAMB Profile Code (generated during UTME registration).
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UTME Registration Number.
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Email address linked to JAMB profile.
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Correct NIN-linked details (since JAMB now uses NIN for all data).
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Change of Institution Fee (₦2,500).
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Access to a JAMB Accredited CBT Centre (changes cannot be done from home or cafés).
Step-by-Step Process: How to Do JAMB Change of Institution in 2025
Here is the correct process to follow:
Step 1: Visit JAMB Accredited CBT Centre
Go to the nearest accredited CBT centre. Do not use random cafés as they are not authorized.
Step 2: Request Change of Institution
Inform the staff that you want to process JAMB change of institution.
Step 3: Make Payment
Pay the official fee of ₦2,500 plus any service charges. A receipt will be issued to you.
Step 4: Provide Details
Submit your JAMB registration number, profile code, and the new institution you wish to select.
Step 5: Biometric Verification
Your fingerprints will be captured to confirm your identity.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Carefully review your new institution choice before final submission. Mistakes cannot be corrected for free.
Step 7: Collect Printout
A printout will be given showing your new institution details. Keep it safe as evidence for admission processing.
How Many Times Can You Do JAMB Change of Institution?
JAMB allows you to make changes multiple times as long as the portal is open. However:
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You must pay ₦2,500 each time you make changes.
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Admission chances may be affected if you keep switching institutions too late.
When Does JAMB Change of Institution Start and End?
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The portal usually opens a few weeks after JAMB results are released.
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The closing date is often tied to the admission deadline for institutions (varies by school).
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Candidates are strongly advised to make changes early, not when schools are closing admission lists.
Risks of Not Changing Your Institution Early
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Missed Admission: If you do not switch on time, your name may not appear on the admission list.
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Wrong Institution: Universities only admit candidates who chose them in JAMB. If you didn’t, you cannot be considered.
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Wasted UTME Year: You may lose the chance for admission that year.
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Additional Costs: Late corrections may require multiple payments if schools update requirements.
Tips to Increase Your Admission Chances When Changing Institution
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Choose schools that match your JAMB score.
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Apply to less competitive universities or polytechnics if your score is low.
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Ensure your subject combination matches your desired course.
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Confirm the new institution still has open admission slots.
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Double-check all entries before final submission.
Difference Between JAMB Change of Institution and Change of Course
| Feature | Change of Institution | Change of Course |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Switch from one school to another | Switch from one course to another within same school |
| Fee | ₦2,500 | ₦2,500 |
| Where Done | JAMB Accredited CBT Centres | JAMB Accredited CBT Centres |
| Effect on Admission | Determines which school can admit you | Determines which department/course considers you |
Summary Table – JAMB Change of Institution 2025
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Fee | ₦2,500 |
| Service Charges | ₦700 – ₦1,000 (CBT centre), ₦200 – ₦500 (printout optional) |
| Total Cost | ₦3,000 – ₦3,500 |
| Where to Do It | JAMB Accredited CBT Centres |
| When to Do It | After UTME results release until admission deadlines |
| Number of Times Allowed | Multiple, but ₦2,500 per change |
| Risks of Delay | Missed admission, wasted year, wrong school on record |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is JAMB change of institution in 2025?
The official fee is ₦2,500, but with service charges, it totals around ₦3,000 – ₦3,500.
2. Where can I do my JAMB change of institution?
Only at JAMB Accredited CBT Centres nationwide.
3. Can I do JAMB change of institution online at home?
No. You must visit a CBT centre because biometric verification is required.
4. How many times can I change my institution?
Multiple times, but you must pay ₦2,500 each time.
5. What documents do I need for change of institution?
Your JAMB profile code, registration number, linked email, and biometric verification.
6. Can I change both institution and course at the same time?
Yes, you can. Each change costs ₦2,500.
7. Is the payment refundable if I change my mind?
No. Once paid, JAMB does not refund correction fees.
8. Can I change my institution after gaining admission?
No. Once admitted, you cannot change institution on JAMB. You can only accept or reject the admission.
9. Does changing my institution affect my admission chances?
Yes, positively, if you choose schools that match your score and requirements.
10. When is the deadline for JAMB change of institution in 2025?
The deadline is tied to the admission closing date of institutions. Candidates should make changes as early as possible.
Conclusion
The JAMB change of institution fee in 2025 is ₦2,500, with total costs ranging between ₦3,000 – ₦3,500 including service charges. The process is straightforward but must be done only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres.
If your UTME score or admission goals no longer align with your first choice, do not hesitate to change your institution early. Delay can cost you admission, while early correction increases your chances of success.
Always double-check your entries, confirm that your new institution still has admission slots, and keep your printout safe for future reference.