How to Change Your School Choice on JAMB

When you fill out your JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) form, you might initially select a school you feel confident about. But what happens if you change your mind later? Maybe you’ve found a better school or realized your current choice isn’t what you expected.

Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Many students discover a new interest or career path after submitting their JAMB form and wish they could change their school choice. Thankfully, JAMB provides an option to make this change.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to change your school choice on JAMB, the reasons why you might want to do so, and the steps involved in the process. Let’s dive in!

What is the JAMB Change of Institution Process?

The JAMB Change of Institution is a process that allows students to alter their initial choice of school after registering for the JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination). JAMB understands that students may have a change of heart, or their circumstances might change, making this option necessary. It allows candidates to choose new institutions based on personal preferences or updated information.

This process can be done online, so you don’t need to physically visit the JAMB office to make the switch. However, there are specific conditions and steps to follow.

Why Might You Want to Change Your School Choice?

There are several reasons why a student may want to change their school choice on JAMB. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. A New Preferred School: You might discover a new institution offering better facilities, a preferred course, or a better reputation.
2. Admission Cut-Off Marks: Perhaps you didn’t score enough to meet your initial school’s cut-off mark. Changing to a school with a lower cut-off might improve your chances of admission.
3. Course Availability: Sometimes, students pick a school without realizing their desired course is not available there.
4. Geographical Factors: The location of your initial choice might no longer be convenient, especially if you’ve moved or have changed your mind about studying far from home.
5. Financial Reasons: Tuition fees and living expenses can also influence your decision. You might opt for a more affordable institution after further research.
6. Family Decisions: Family preferences or guidance may prompt you to reconsider your initial choice.

Can You Change Both Institution and Course?

Yes! JAMB offers not just the option to change your school but also the option to change your course if you wish. So, if you’ve had a change of heart regarding your program of study, you can adjust both your institution and course at the same time.

When Can You Change Your School Choice?

The JAMB change of institution process is only available at specific times, so you have to be mindful of the deadlines. Typically, the option becomes available after the release of JAMB results and remains open for several weeks. JAMB will always announce the period during which the change of institution process can take place.

It is crucial to complete the process before any admission lists are released by the institutions. Once admission processing starts, it may be too late to make changes, and you’ll be stuck with your initial choice.

Is There a Limit to How Many Times You Can Change Your School?

Yes, you can only change your school choice twice per registration. Once you’ve used up these two opportunities, you won’t be able to make any more changes, so choose wisely! Each change also comes with a fee, so it’s advisable to be absolutely sure before making any modifications.

What Do You Need to Change Your School on JAMB?

Before you begin the process of changing your school choice, it’s important to have the following details ready:

1. JAMB Registration Number: This unique number was provided to you when you first registered for JAMB. It’s crucial for accessing your JAMB profile.
2. Login Credentials: You’ll need your JAMB profile email and password to log into your account on the JAMB portal.
3. New School and Course Details: Decide on the new institution and course you’d like to switch to before starting the process.
4. Payment Details: Changing your school choice on JAMB comes with a fee, so be prepared to make an online payment.

How to Change Your School Choice on JAMB

Now that you know the essentials, let’s walk through the steps to change your school choice on JAMB.

Step 1: Visit the JAMB Portal

First, go to the JAMB official website at www.jamb.gov.ng. Once you’re on the homepage, click on the “e-Facility” tab.

Step 2: Log in to Your JAMB Profile

Click on “Login” and enter your email address and password to access your profile. Make sure you’re logging into the same profile you used when you registered for the JAMB exam.

Step 3: Navigate to the Change of Institution Page

Once logged in, you’ll be taken to your dashboard. On the left-hand side, find and click on the “Application for Correction of Data” link. From there, you’ll see a menu that includes the option for “Change of Course/Institution.”

Step 4: Make Payment for the Change

After selecting “Change of Course/Institution,” you’ll be prompted to make a payment of N2,500 (this amount may change based on JAMB’s policies). You can make this payment online through Remita or use any of the available options (credit card, bank, etc.). Once the payment is successful, you can proceed with the change.

Step 5: Select Your New Institution

After your payment has been confirmed, the portal will direct you to a form where you can select your new preferred institution. Here, you can also change your course if necessary.

Step 6: Confirm Your Changes

Double-check the information you entered to ensure everything is correct. Once you’re satisfied, confirm the changes. JAMB will update your details, and you’ll receive a notification confirming the change of institution.

Step 7: Print Your Change of Institution Slip

After making the change, it’s a good idea to print out the slip that confirms your new choice. This slip serves as evidence that you’ve officially made the change. Keep it in a safe place, as you might need it for future reference.

Important Considerations When Changing Your School Choice

Changing your school choice on JAMB is a straightforward process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Payment Is Non-Refundable: The fee you pay for the change of institution is non-refundable, so be sure you’re certain before proceeding.
2. Cut-Off Marks Vary: Just because you can change to a new institution doesn’t mean you’ll automatically gain admission. Be sure to check the cut-off mark for the new school and ensure your JAMB score meets it.
3. Course Prerequisites: Some courses have specific subject combinations required for admission. Ensure that the subjects you took in JAMB match the requirements for your new course of choice.
4. Admission Lists: After changing your institution, ensure that you monitor the admission list of the new school so that you don’t miss any important updates.

How Long Does It Take for the Changes to Reflect?

Once you complete the change of institution process, the changes should reflect in your profile within a few hours to a few days. However, always log in to your JAMB profile to verify that the changes have been successfully updated.

Conclusion

Changing your school choice on JAMB is a fantastic option if you’ve had a change of heart about your institution or course. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily navigate the process and ensure your new choices are reflected.

However, always be careful and double-check your decisions, as you have limited opportunities to make changes. Good luck with your admission process, and remember, choosing the right school is an important step towards achieving your academic dreams!

FAQs

Can I change my school choice after being offered admission?

Yes, you can change your school even after being offered admission, but only if the new school hasn’t yet released its admission list. Timing is key in such situations.

Is the JAMB change of institution fee refundable?

No, the fee is non-refundable. Make sure you’re certain about your decision before making the payment.

How many times can I change my school choice on JAMB?

You can change your school choice up to two times during the registration period.

What if I don’t meet the cut-off mark for the new institution?

If you don’t meet the cut-off mark for your new choice, your chances of gaining admission may be affected. Always confirm the requirements before making changes.

Can I change both my institution and course at the same time?

Yes, JAMB allows you to change both your institution and course in the same application, but the same payment fee applies.