Every year, thousands of Nigerian students register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME with the hope of gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. However, during registration, mistakes often occur. These errors may include wrong spelling of names, incorrect date of birth, wrong subject combinations, or wrong choice of institution or course.
To solve this, JAMB introduced the Change of Data Portal, a dedicated service that allows candidates to correct mistakes and update personal or academic details. Using the portal correctly can make the difference between gaining admission or being denied due to data mismatches.
This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide on how to use the JAMB Change of Data Portal in 2025. We will explain:
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What the portal is and how it works
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The different types of corrections you can make
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The ones you cannot change
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Step-by-step instructions for each correction
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Costs, deadlines, risks, and mistakes to avoid
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A comparison table for quick reference
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Frequently asked questions with clear answers
By the end, you will understand everything about the JAMB Change of Data Portal and how to use it successfully.
What Is the JAMB Change of Data Portal?
The JAMB Change of Data Portal is an online service on the JAMB website that allows candidates to correct errors made during registration. It is linked to accredited JAMB CBT centres, where corrections are finalized.
Instead of being stuck with errors that may block your admission chances, you can update your information to match your academic and personal records.
Why the Change of Data Portal Is Important
The JAMB Change of Data Portal is important for several reasons:
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Correcting Personal Errors: Mistakes like wrong spelling of names or wrong date of birth can affect admission and NYSC mobilization later.
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Meeting School Requirements: Some schools reject candidates with mismatched details.
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Maintaining NIN Consistency: Since JAMB now uses NIN, your data must match what is in the National Identity database.
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Admission Opportunities: Correcting your institution or course helps you align with realistic admission chances.
What Can You Change on the JAMB Data Portal?
JAMB allows candidates to make different corrections on the portal. Below are the major categories:
1. Change of Institution
You can switch from one school to another. For example, from UNILAG to LASU or from a private university to a federal university.
2. Change of Course
You can switch from one course to another within the same school. For example, from Medicine to Nursing or from Law to Political Science.
3. Correction of Name
If your name was wrongly spelt during registration, you can correct it to match your official documents.
4. Correction of Date of Birth
If your date of birth is wrong, you can change it, provided it matches your NIN record.
5. Correction of Gender
If your gender was wrongly selected during registration, you can update it.
6. Correction of State of Origin and Local Government Area (LGA)
You can correct your state of origin or LGA if it was wrongly entered.
What You Cannot Change on the JAMB Data Portal
Not all details can be changed. Some information is permanently locked to prevent fraud. These include:
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JAMB Registration Number: This is unique and cannot be changed.
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NIN Details Outside JAMB Portal: Since your NIN controls most of your personal information, JAMB may reject changes that do not match your NIN record.
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Number of Corrections Beyond Limit: JAMB allows limited corrections; repeated requests may be denied.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the JAMB Change of Data Portal
Here is the step-by-step process every candidate should follow:
Step 1: Visit the JAMB Portal
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Go to the official JAMB website.
Step 2: Log In
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Use your JAMB profile email and password.
Step 3: Choose the Correction Option
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Select “Correction of Data” from the available services.
Step 4: Make Payment
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Pay the correction fee (₦3,500 plus service charge). Payment can be done online or at a bank.
Step 5: Complete the Correction
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Select the correction you want (institution, course, date of birth, etc.).
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Provide the correct information carefully.
Step 6: Visit CBT Centre
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For some changes, you must visit an accredited CBT centre to finalize the process.
Step 7: Print Confirmation Slip
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Print the updated slip and keep it for future reference.
Cost of Using the JAMB Change of Data Portal
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Correction Fee: ₦3,500 per correction
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Service Charge: ₦500 – ₦700 (depending on CBT centre)
This means you may spend between ₦4,000 and ₦4,200 for each correction.
Deadlines for JAMB Change of Data
The JAMB Change of Data Portal is usually open after UTME results are released and remains open until schools close their admission processes. However, candidates are advised to make corrections early to avoid missing deadlines.
Risks of Using the JAMB Change of Data Portal
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Late Application: Applying after deadlines means your correction may not reflect.
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Wrong Decisions: Changing institution or course without checking requirements may harm admission chances.
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Mismatch with NIN: If your correction does not match NIN details, JAMB may reject it.
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Multiple Corrections: Making too many corrections may confuse admission officers.
Strategies to Avoid Mistakes on the Portal
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Double-check cut-off marks before changing institution or course.
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Ensure your details match your NIN record.
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Seek guidance from experienced students or school counselors.
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Do your correction early, not at the last minute.
Summary Table: JAMB Change of Data Portal Corrections
| Correction Type | Can Be Changed? | Requirements | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institution | Yes | Score must meet new school’s cut-off | ₦3,500 |
| Course | Yes | Must meet subject and departmental requirements | ₦3,500 |
| Name | Yes | Must match NIN details | ₦3,500 |
| Date of Birth | Yes | Must match NIN | ₦3,500 |
| Gender | Yes | CBT centre confirmation | ₦3,500 |
| State/LGA | Yes | Proof of origin documents | ₦3,500 |
| Registration Number | No | Permanent | Not applicable |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many times can I use the JAMB Change of Data Portal?
You can use it more than once, but JAMB limits the number of corrections.
2. How much does JAMB Change of Data cost?
₦3,500 plus service charges per correction.
3. Can I change both course and institution at the same time?
Yes, you can change both during one correction session.
4. How long does it take for the change to reflect?
It may reflect immediately or take a few days, depending on the correction.
5. Can I change my JAMB date of birth without NIN?
No, it must match your NIN details.
6. Does Change of Institution affect my admission chances?
Yes, it improves your chances if you choose wisely.
7. Can I change my data after admission?
No, once admitted, further changes must be handled by the institution.
8. Do all schools accept Change of Course?
Most do, but some institutions may restrict specific departments.
9. Can I use the portal at home?
You can initiate corrections at home, but finalization is done at CBT centres.
10. What happens if my correction does not reflect?
You should revisit the CBT centre or contact JAMB support.
Conclusion
The JAMB Change of Data Portal 2025 is a lifeline for candidates who made mistakes during registration or who want to increase their admission chances. With it, you can correct details like name, date of birth, gender, state of origin, course, and institution.
The key is to act early, confirm all requirements, and ensure your data matches your NIN. By following the steps in this guide, you can avoid common mistakes and secure a smoother admission process in 2025.