Navigating the JAMB change of institution or course process is a critical step for many Nigerian students seeking admission. Whether your UTME score didn’t meet your initial choice’s cutoff or you’ve had a change of career interest, this procedure is your official pathway to correction.
This complete guide provides the proven methods and current guidelines from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. We break down the entire process, costs, and essential deadlines you must know.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you begin the online process, gather these essential items. Having them ready prevents delays, especially with unstable internet at cyber cafés or on your phone.
- Valid JAMB Profile Login Details: Your registered email address and password. If forgotten, recover them before starting the change.
- JAMB Registration Number: This is the 10-digit number from your UTME/DE registration slip.
- Functional ATM Card (Debit/Credit): From any Nigerian bank (Verve, Visa, MasterCard) to pay the official fee directly on the JAMB portal. Avoid paying cash to any agent.
- Correct Institution and Course Details: Know the exact names and codes of your new preferred institution and course as listed in the JAMB brochure.
- Recent Phone Number & Email: Active lines for OTPs and confirmation messages. Update any old number on your profile first.
Note: You do not need to visit your old or new institution, nor do you need a letter of admission for this initial change. The portal is self-service.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Log into Your JAMB Profile
Visit the official JAMB e-Facility portal at jamb.gov.ng/efacility. Click “Login” and enter your registered email and password. If the page loads slowly or times out—a common issue—try again early in the morning or late at night when traffic is lower. Do not use unofficial links from social media.
Step 2: Locate and Pay for the Service
After logging in, find and click on the menu option for “2024 UTME Data Correction” or similar. Select “Change of Institution/Course”. You will be redirected to a payment page. The official fee is ₦2,500 (subject to change). Enter your ATM card details securely on the portal to pay. Wait for a success notification and a payment receipt before proceeding. The payment may fail; if it does, wait 30 minutes and check your bank statement before retrying.
Step 3: Select Your New Choices
Once payment is confirmed, the portal will allow you to select new preferences. You will see dropdown menus for Institution and Course. Use the JAMB brochure codes to make your selections. Be extremely careful here: you cannot reverse this selection after final submission. Double-check that your new course is offered in your new institution for the current academic session.
Step 4: Review and Submit
The portal will display a summary page showing your old and new institution/course details. Scrutinize every detail—names, codes, and session. If anything is wrong, use the “Back” button to correct it. When 100% sure, click the “Submit” or “Confirm” button. The system will process your request.
Step 5: Print Your Updated Slip
After successful submission, immediately go back to the main menu and select “Print UTME/DE Slip”. Print out the new slip that reflects your changes. This printed slip is your proof and must be used for all subsequent admission processes. Also, save a PDF copy on your phone.
Alternative Methods
While the online portal is the primary and recommended method, JAMB provides alternative channels for candidates who face significant challenges.
The first alternative is visiting an accredited JAMB CBT Centre or JAMB State Office (like the ones in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt). Staff at these centres can guide you through the process on their systems for a small service fee, which should not exceed ₦1,000 on top of the official ₦2,500. This is best if you have persistent internet issues or lack a reliable ATM card.
Secondly, some tertiary institutions offer guided change of institution/course services during their admission screening periods, especially for candidates seeking admission into that specific school. Contact the admission office of your desired institution to confirm if they provide this support. This method is useful if you need clarification on course availability or cut-off marks for that particular school.
Important: Never hand over your profile login details or payment card to any agent. Any physical transaction must be done with you present, and you must receive an official receipt and print your updated slip immediately.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “Payment Not Verified” or Portal Stuck After Payment
You paid with your card and got a debit alert, but the JAMB portal still shows “payment pending” or fails to open the correction form. This is a frequent network glitch.
Solution: Do not pay again. First, wait for 24-48 hours for the system to reconcile. If the issue persists, go to any accredited JAMB CBT centre with your transaction ID and bank alert. They can use their backend to confirm and push the payment through manually.
Problem: Selected Wrong New Institution or Course Code
In a rush or due to confusion with similar course names (e.g., “Accounting” vs “Accounting Technology”), you submitted an incorrect change.
Solution: The portal does not allow a second free correction. You must pay another ₦2,500 to initiate a fresh change of institution/course process and select the correct details. This is why the review step is critical.
Problem: “Service Not Available” or Greyed-Out Menu
The “Change of Institution/Course” option is unavailable on your dashboard. This usually means JAMB has closed the service for the current admission cycle or your profile has a hold.
Solution: First, check JAMB’s official social media (Twitter/X) for announcements on deadlines. If the window is closed, you cannot change again until the next cycle. If the window is open, visit a JAMB office; your profile may require a biometric verification to unlock the service.
Problem: New Slip Not Reflecting Changes After Submission
You completed the process but the printed slip still shows your old institution.
Solution: Log out completely, clear your browser cache, and log in again. Then re-print. If the old details persist, your submission may not have processed. Check your email for a confirmation from JAMB. If none, you may need to repeat the process, ensuring you get a final success message.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
The official fee for the JAMB change of institution/course is ₦2,500. This is a fixed nationwide charge payable only on the JAMB portal or at an accredited CBT centre. You will receive an electronic receipt for this payment.
Be wary of unofficial “processing” or “agent” fees. Some cyber cafés or intermediaries may charge an extra ₦500 to ₦2,000 for their assistance. While a small service charge (e.g., ₦500) for guidance at a café is common, any demand above ₦1,000 is excessive. Never pay for “express” or “guaranteed” processing; the official system is the same for everyone.
The service is typically open for a specific window after UTME results are released, often from July to October. However, the exact deadline changes yearly. Once JAMB announces the closure, no further changes are allowed until the next admission cycle. Processing is instant upon successful payment and submission.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Fake Portals and Links: Scammers create duplicate JAMB portals (e.g., jamb-gov.ng.com) via SMS or WhatsApp. Always type jamb.gov.ng/efacility directly into your browser. Never click on links promising “special change of course links.”
- Agents Promising Admission: No individual or “agent” can guarantee your admission after a change. Anyone asking for ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 to “follow up” with JAMB or your new institution is lying. Admission depends solely on your score meeting the cutoff.
- Profile Hijacking: Never give your JAMB profile email, password, or registration number to a third party to “help” you process the change. This can lead to your profile being held for ransom or used for fraud.
- Fake “JAMB Officials” on Call: Genuine JAMB will not call you to request payment for change of course over the phone. Any call asking for your card details or OTP is a scam. All official communication is via your registered email and the portal.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your successfully printed JAMB change of institution/course slip is an official JAMB document. It is accepted by all tertiary institutions in Nigeria—universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—during their post-UTME screening and admission registration. You must present it alongside other required documents.
Important Limitation: This change does not guarantee admission. It only corrects your choice. You must still meet the departmental cut-off mark and aggregate score set by your new institution for the new course. You are also responsible for applying for the school’s post-UTME screening separately if they conduct one.
Your immediate next steps are clear. First, visit the admission portal of your new institution to check their specific screening requirements, deadlines, and cut-off marks. Secondly, prepare for and participate in their post-UTME or screening exercise when announced. Finally, regularly check both the JAMB CAPS portal and your institution’s admission list for your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change both my institution and course at the same time?
Yes, the JAMB change of institution/course service allows you to change both simultaneously in a single transaction. On the portal, you will select your new preferred institution first, then the new course offered by that institution. You pay the ₦2,500 fee once for this combined correction.
What is the deadline for JAMB change of institution/course?
JAMB announces a specific deadline each admission cycle, typically between September and November. There is no fixed date. To avoid missing it, complete your change immediately after UTME results are released and monitor JAMB’s official social media handles (@JAMBHQ) for closure announcements.
I did Direct Entry (DE), can I also use this service?
Yes. Direct Entry candidates can also apply for a change of institution and/or course using the same JAMB e-Facility portal and procedure. The fee and requirements are identical. Ensure your A’Level qualifications are relevant for the new course you are selecting.
Will changing my institution affect my original UTME score?
No. Your UTME score remains completely unchanged. The process only alters your choice of institution and course. Your score is the primary factor your new institution will consider during their admission screening, so ensure it meets their published cut-off mark.
Can I change back to my original choice if I regret it?
Yes, but it is treated as a new change. You would need to pay another ₦2,500 fee and go through the entire process again to select your original institution and course, provided the service window is still open. This makes careful selection crucial.
Is the change of institution slip the same as the admission letter?
No, they are different documents. The change slip is proof you corrected your choice. The admission letter is issued later by JAMB via the CAPS portal when a tertiary institution has offered you provisional admission. You need the change slip to be eligible for that admission.
Disclaimer
This guide is compiled from publicly available JAMB resources and procedures for the admission cycle. It is intended for informational purposes to help Nigerian candidates navigate the process. Fees, deadlines, and portal functionalities are subject to change by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Always confirm details from the official JAMB website (jamb.gov.ng) or accredited state offices for the most current information.