Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you wished you had chosen a different school on your JAMB registration? Maybe you discovered a new passion, or the school you picked wasn’t the right fit for your career goals. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many students find themselves wanting to change their institution after their initial JAMB registration. The good news is that JAMB has made provisions for candidates to change their school choice if they realize they need a better option. But how do you go about doing that? Let’s dive deep into understanding how you can easily change your school choice on JAMB.
Why Would You Want to Change Your School Choice?
Making decisions about your future can be daunting. Choosing the right institution is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your academic journey. Sometimes, after your initial choice, you realize that the school you selected might not offer the course you desire, or maybe it’s located far away from home. Other times, you simply get better information about another school, and you wish you had applied there instead.
Whether it’s a change in your preferred course, financial considerations, or just discovering a better opportunity, JAMB gives you a lifeline with their school change option. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at how to make this change smoothly and ensure you’re on the right track toward achieving your academic dreams.
What is JAMB and Why is It Important?
Before we dive into how to change your school choice, let’s first understand what JAMB is. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the Nigerian body responsible for overseeing the entrance examination into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students take the JAMB exam to secure admission to tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The exam plays a vital role in determining whether or not a candidate gains admission into their preferred institution.
But sometimes, life happens, and you might want to shift your choice to a different school. Thankfully, JAMB offers a seamless process to make that switch.
Eligibility for JAMB School Change
Before you start the process of changing your school choice, it’s essential to know whether you’re eligible to do so. JAMB allows candidates to change their institution only if they meet certain criteria. You may consider changing your school if:
- You didn’t meet the cut-off mark for your chosen school.
- You’ve had a change of mind about your desired course or institution.
- Your preferred institution no longer offers your chosen course.
- You want to relocate or study closer to home for personal reasons.
As long as your initial JAMB registration is valid, you can initiate the school change process.
How Many Times Can You Change Your School on JAMB?
A common question many candidates have is, “Can I change my school choice more than once?” The answer is yes, but with a limit. JAMB allows you to change your institution a maximum of two times. So, it’s crucial to make your decision carefully and consider all factors before making any changes.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Your School Choice on JAMB
Changing your school on JAMB is straightforward if you follow the correct steps. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process:
1. Log into Your JAMB Profile
To begin the process, head over to the JAMB portal. You’ll need to log into your account using the credentials you created during your JAMB registration. If you don’t have your login details, you can easily retrieve them by following the prompts for forgotten passwords.
2. Navigate to the “Correction of Data” Section
Once you’re logged in, look for the “Correction of Data” tab. This is where JAMB allows candidates to make changes to various aspects of their registration, including school choice, course, date of birth, and more.
3. Select “Change of Institution”
Within the “Correction of Data” section, you’ll find the option for “Change of Institution.” Click on it, and you’ll be redirected to a page where you can choose your new preferred school.
4. Pay the Required Fee
JAMB charges a small fee for changing your institution. As of now, the fee is ₦2,500, but it’s essential to check for any updates on the official JAMB website. After selecting your new institution, you’ll be prompted to make the payment online via the JAMB portal. Ensure your payment is successful before moving to the next step.
5. Choose Your New School and Course
After payment, you can proceed to choose your new institution and course. Take your time here because once the change is finalized, it may take some time before you can make another alteration. Double-check that your new school offers your preferred course and that you meet their cut-off mark.
6. Submit Your Request
Once you’ve confirmed your changes, go ahead and submit your request. You’ll receive a confirmation message, and your new institution will be updated on your JAMB profile.
7. Print Out Your Change of Institution Slip
After successfully changing your school, ensure you print out the change of institution slip. This is your proof that the change has been processed. Keep it safe, as you might need it during your admission process.
How Long Does It Take for the Changes to Reflect?
One of the common concerns candidates have is how long it takes for the changes to reflect on their JAMB profile. Usually, the changes are instant once the process is completed. However, it’s advisable to give it a few days to ensure that your new choice reflects on your profile.
Important Tips When Changing Your School on JAMB
- Double-check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the cut-off mark and other requirements for your new school before making the change.
- Check your O’level results: Make sure your O’level results match the requirements of the new institution and course.
- Payment confirmation: Ensure that your payment is successful before proceeding. If the payment fails, retry or contact JAMB support.
- Make the decision early: Don’t wait until the last minute to make changes. Some schools might close their admission portals early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing School Choice on JAMB
Mistakes can delay your admission process, so here are a few things to avoid:
- Choosing a school without checking their cut-off mark: Ensure you’re eligible for your new institution.
- Ignoring O’level requirements: Some schools have specific O’level subjects that are mandatory for certain courses.
- Not printing the change slip: Always print out your confirmation slip to avoid issues during your admission process.
What Happens After You Change Your School?
After you’ve successfully changed your school, your new institution will be updated on your JAMB profile. The next step is to keep an eye on the school’s admission portal for updates on their post-UTME or admission screening process. Remember to meet the deadlines for these processes to ensure your admission is not delayed.
Can You Change Both Your School and Course on JAMB?
Yes! JAMB allows you to change both your school and course simultaneously during the correction of data process. If you find that your chosen course is not available in your new institution, you can change both at the same time.
Why Timing is Crucial
Changing your institution early gives you a better chance of securing admission. Schools usually set deadlines for their admission processes, so you want to ensure that your changes are reflected on time. Don’t wait until the last minute to make the switch.
Conclusion
Changing your school choice on JAMB is a smart move when you realize your initial selection isn’t aligned with your goals. Whether it’s for personal reasons, eligibility issues, or just finding a better opportunity, the process is there to help you make the right choice. Now that you know how to go about it, you’re better equipped to take control of your academic future.
FAQs
How many times can I change my school choice on JAMB?
You can change your school choice a maximum of two times.
How much does it cost to change my school on JAMB?
The cost for the change of institution is ₦2,500.
Can I change both my course and school on JAMB?
Yes, you can change both your course and school simultaneously during the correction of data process.
What happens after I change my school?
Your new institution will be updated on your JAMB profile, and you’ll need to monitor their admission process for further steps.
Is the change of institution immediate?
Yes, in most cases, the change is instant, but it’s advisable to wait a few days to confirm it reflects on your profile.
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