Schools That Allow Post-UTME Without First Choice — And Those That Don’t
Many Nigerian students preparing for admission often wonder: “Can I register for Post-UTME even if I didn’t choose the school as my first choice in JAMB?” The answer is: it depends on the school.
Some universities and polytechnics allow Post-UTME applications from second-choice or even non-choice candidates. Others strictly insist you must make them your first choice before you can register for their Post-UTME. Knowing which is which can save you time, money, and disappointment.
Why Schools Have Different Policies
There’s no single rule from JAMB forcing all schools to follow the same policy. Each school sets its rules based on:
- Competition Level: Schools with very high applications often restrict admissions to first-choice candidates only.
- Revenue: Some polytechnics and less competitive universities accept second-choice candidates to boost their admission numbers and income from Post-UTME sales.
- Admission Quotas: Highly sought-after universities want to fill their limited spaces only with candidates who chose them first.
Schools That Allow Post-UTME Without First Choice
Below are examples of Nigerian schools known to accept second-choice or non-choice candidates for Post-UTME. However, you’ll usually be required to do a Change of Institution on JAMB CAPS if offered admission.
Polytechnics
- Federal Polytechnic Ilaro (Ogun State)
- Federal Polytechnic Ede (Osun State)
- Kwara State Polytechnic (Ilorin)
- Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara
- Auchi Polytechnic (Edo State) — sometimes allows second choice, but check each year
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
- Osun State Polytechnic, Iree
- Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo
- Abia State Polytechnic
Universities
- Ambrose Alli University (Ekpoma) — sometimes allows second choice depending on course
- Ekiti State University (EKSU) — used to accept second choice for some courses
- Delta State University (DELSU) — sometimes accepts second choice, but check specific programs
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) — sometimes accepts second choice candidates
- Many private universities such as:
- Caleb University
- Babcock University
- Bowen University
- Lead City University
- Rhema University
- Madonna University
⚠️ Note: Rules change yearly. Always confirm from the school’s official website before applying!
Schools That Require First Choice Before Post-UTME
These schools strictly require you to make them first choice before you can even buy their Post-UTME form. They won’t process second-choice candidates, even if you have a high JAMB score.
Federal Universities
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
- Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Rivers State University
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Kogi State University (KSU)
- Delta State University (DELSU) — for some courses
These universities often receive tens of thousands of applications and prioritize first-choice candidates for their limited admission slots.
So What Should You Do?
✅ **Check each school’s official Post-UTME advertisement** before spending money on forms. They’ll clearly state whether they accept second-choice candidates.
✅ **Be ready to do a Change of Institution** on JAMB CAPS if you pass a Post-UTME in a school you didn’t initially choose. This process costs about N2,500 on JAMB’s portal.
✅ **Don’t assume all polytechnics accept second-choice candidates.** Some polytechnics, especially federal ones, can also be strict in certain years.
✅ **Contact the school’s admission office or read their Post-UTME news on official websites.** Don’t rely only on social media or forums.
Example Scenario
Example 1: Chiamaka picked UNILAG as her first choice and LASU as her second. LASU requires first choice. So, she must change LASU to first choice on JAMB CAPS before she can register for LASU’s Post-UTME.
Example 2: Musa didn’t pick Fed Poly Ilaro at all. But Ilaro allows non-choice candidates. He buys their Post-UTME form. After passing, he changes Ilaro to first choice before admission.
Final Advice
Don’t waste money on Post-UTME forms without confirming your school’s first-choice rules. If you’re aiming for top federal universities, make them your first choice from the start. But if you want flexibility, consider polytechnics or private universities that allow changes later on.
**Stay informed, save money, and secure your admission dreams. Good luck!**
Read also: How to check if your O’level Result has been uploaded on Jamb portal
