Universities That Accept Second-Choice Admission: 2025 Complete Guide
Choosing where to study is one of the most important decisions a student makes. For many UTME candidates the option labeled “second choice” on the JAMB form becomes a lifeline — or a headache — depending on how universities handle admission rounds that year. In this updated 2025 guide we explain the current rules, name universities that have accepted second-choice candidates, clarify how JAMB CAPS and change-of-institution rules affect you, and offer practical tips to improve your chance of getting admitted through a second choice.
Quick summary — what changed for 2025?
Over the past few admission cycles, processes around second-choice admissions have grown stricter because of JAMB CAPS, university-specific screening rules, and increased demand. Many universities now require that candidates must have selected the school as their first choice to be eligible for post-UTME and direct admission rounds; others still consider high-scoring second-choice candidates or allow admission after a formal change of institution on the JAMB portal. Always check the specific university’s admission notice for the current session. 0
How second-choice admission works (simple breakdown)
- JAMB selection: During UTME registration you pick a first and a second choice. JAMB stores both on CAPS.
- Post-UTME eligibility: Many universities invite only candidates who picked them as their first choice — some will allow second choices if space remains or if the candidate meets high cut-off marks.
- Change of institution: If you didn’t pick the university originally, you can perform a formal change of institution on the JAMB portal (within the stated deadline) — this effectively makes the school your first choice for that admissions cycle.
- Supplementary/supplemental admissions: Some institutions run additional screening or supplementary admission lists where previously second-choice applicants may be considered, depending on vacancy.
Current reality: Most universities prefer first-choice candidates
In practice for 2025, many reputable federal and state universities prioritize first-choice candidates during Post-UTME screening and admission offers. Universities argue this helps them plan capacity and avoid admitting students who are unlikely to accept an offer. Official admission portals and many recent university notices state clearly that only candidates who chose the school as first choice are eligible for Post-UTME in that session — Rivers State University and several others reiterate this requirement on their admission pages. 1
Universities that have accepted second choice (examples and notes)
Despite the general shift, a number of universities — especially newer federal universities, some state universities, and certain private institutions — have historically considered high-scoring second-choice candidates or admitted them after change-of-institution requests. Media compendia and admission-help sites list several names that often appear when students ask about second-choice opportunities (e.g., Abia State University, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Federal University Oye-Ekiti, University of Maiduguri and others). These lists change year to year, so treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee. 2
Examples (not exhaustive):
- Abia State University, Uturu — regularly listed among schools that may admit second-choice candidates depending on available vacancies.
- Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko — many 2025 guidance pages and notices explain eligibility and stress that candidates should monitor AAUA’s official portal; if you did not pick AAUA, you may be asked to change institution before screening. 3
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti and a number of newer federal universities — sometimes admit both first and second choice where their adverts or cut-off announcements explicitly include “first and second choice.”
- Some private universities — admission policies are more flexible and sometimes accommodate strong second-choice candidates, but this varies widely by institution and program.
Why the confusion exists
The conflicting answers you’ll find online come from different sources: social media hearsay, older blog lists, and changing university rules. A school that accepted second-choice candidates in 2022 may not do so in 2025. Conversely, a university that required first choice in prior years could open limited spots to strong second-choice applicants this cycle. For this reason, the safe approach is to read each university’s official admission notice and treat social posts as secondary evidence. 4
Practical steps to improve your chance (do these now)
- Check official portals: Visit the university’s admission page before applying for Post-UTME. Links and instructions there are authoritative. (Examples: AAUA admission page; Rivers State University official portal). 5
- Change institution early if needed: If you want a university that you placed as second choice to be treated as first choice, perform a change of institution on the JAMB CAPS portal within the allowed window — don’t wait until screening starts.
- Make your second choice competitive: Score above the advertised departmental cut-off and upload your O-Level results promptly to JAMB CAPS so you don’t miss verification steps.
- Apply to private universities: If you’re flexible, private universities can be more flexible with admissions and often have rolling offers — weigh cost versus convenience.
- Monitor supplementary lists: Universities sometimes release supplementary/supplemental admission lists when first-round candidates decline offers; these can be opportunities for second-choice admittees.
What to do if you’ve already missed the deadline
If the JAMB change-of-institution window has closed and you didn’t pick the school you now want, contact the university’s admissions office directly. Some institutions offer limited remedies or can guide you on the supplementary admission pathway. Be ready with your JAMB registration number, O-Level credentials, and UTME result screenshot.
Authoritative sources & where to verify
For any university you’re interested in, verify via:
- The university’s official admission portal or notice board (example: Rivers State University official site). 6
- JAMB CAPS and the JAMB portal for change of institution and admission status.
- Official university social media channels and press releases (for urgent updates about screening and supplementary lists).
Conclusion
The plain truth for 2025 is this: many universities favour first-choice candidates because of JAMB CAPS and capacity planning, but some schools — particularly certain state and private universities and a few newer federal universities — can and do admit qualified second-choice applicants in specific circumstances. The most reliable strategy remains to monitor official university and JAMB channels, consider changing institution early if you really want a school, and make sure your scores and documents are admission-ready. If you follow the steps above, your chances improve whether you’re first- or second-choice.
External references: Rivers State University (official), Myschool.ng — AAUA updates, Premium Times — compiled guides.
Sir Osun State University accept second choice that is the question I have for now
Yes, that’s during registration but must make them first choice before you can view your screening result and admission status