Overview: The JAMB Change of Course/Institution process allows candidates to modify their initial choice of course or institution after registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This process is helpful when candidates want to adjust their preferences due to various reasons, such as meeting cut-off marks, discovering new interests, or realizing better opportunities in another institution. In this lesson, we’ll explain when and why you might want to change your course or institution, the requirements, and how to go through the process.

 What is JAMB Change of Course/Institution?

The JAMB Change of Course/Institution is a service provided by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that allows candidates to change the course or institution they originally selected during their UTME registration.

• Why Use the Change of Course/Institution Option?
  • To Meet Cut-off Marks: If your UTME score is below the cut-off mark for your chosen course or institution, changing to a course or institution with a lower cut-off mark could improve your chances of gaining admission.
  • Change of Interest: Sometimes, after registering, a candidate may decide to pursue a different course of study or attend a different institution that aligns better with their career goals.
  • Admission Status Update: If a candidate’s preferred institution does not offer them admission, they can opt for a different institution that still has available slots.

Requirements for JAMB Change of Course/Institution

Before initiating the process, candidates must ensure they meet the following requirements:

• UTME Registration Details: You will need your JAMB registration number and login details for the JAMB e-facility portal.
• O’Level Results: Ensure that your O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, etc.) meet the requirements for the new course or institution you intend to switch to.
• Availability of Course/Institution: Ensure the course or institution you’re switching to is available and still accepting students for the current admission year.
• Payment: There is a fee for making changes, which can be paid via the JAMB e-facility portal.

 Steps for Changing Your Course/Institution

This is one of the services offered at EducationNG, click here to apply, else follow the below steps to follow when making a change of course or institution:

• Step 1: Visit the JAMB Portal
  • Go to the JAMB e-facility portal
• Step 2: Login to Your Account
  • Log in using your JAMB profile email and password. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one.
• Step 3: Select “Correction of Data”
  • On the dashboard, navigate to the “Correction of Data” section and click on “Change of Course/Institution.” This will redirect you to the change application page.
• Step 4: Choose Course/Institution to Change
  • Select the course or institution you wish to change from the available drop-down menus. You can change both the course and institution or only one, depending on your preference.
• Step 5: Confirm Eligibility for the New Course/Institution
  • JAMB will cross-check to ensure you meet the admission requirements (cut-off marks and O’Level subjects) for the new course or institution.
• Step 6: Make Payment
  • The service fee for the change of course/institution is typically ₦2,500 (or as updated by JAMB). Payment can be made using a debit card or other available payment methods on the portal.
• Step 7: Review and Submit
  • Review the changes you have made to ensure they are correct. Once you’re satisfied, submit the form.
• Step 8: Print Your Slip
  • After submitting, you will be redirected to a confirmation page. Ensure you print the acknowledgment slip as proof that your changes were successfully submitted.

 Important Considerations for JAMB Change of Course/Institution

• Number of Changes Allowed: Candidates can make changes multiple times, but each change requires a separate payment. Therefore, you should make changes only when necessary.
• Eligibility for New Course/Institution: Before making a change, ensure that you meet the requirements (both UTME score and O’Level results) for the new course or institution to avoid wasting money or time.
• Institutional Policies: Some institutions may have specific policies regarding accepting students who applied through the change of institution process. Make sure to research whether the new institution will consider your application.
• Timing: You can only apply for a change of course/institution after JAMB has opened the portal for corrections, which typically happens after the release of the UTME results. Ensure you complete the process before institutions close their admission portals.

 Reasons to Change Your Course/Institution

• Low UTME Score: If your score is below the cut-off mark for your original course or institution, changing to a less competitive course or institution improves your chances of gaining admission.
• Admission Status: If your preferred institution or course does not offer you admission, you can switch to another institution or course where you have a higher chance of admission.
• Change in Career Path: If you decide to pursue a different career path, changing your course through the JAMB portal is the official way to update your admission preferences.
• Institutional Preferences: Some candidates may want to attend institutions with more affordable tuition, proximity to home, or better reputations in their desired fields of study.

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Confirming Course/Institution Requirements: Make sure to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria (UTME score and O’Level results) for the new course or institution before making any changes.
• Rushing the Process: Take your time to decide on your new course or institution. Consider all factors, including the course content, career prospects, and the institution’s reputation.
• Ignoring Admission Deadlines: Institutions may close their admission portals before you make changes. Ensure that you complete your changes early enough to avoid missing deadlines.
• Overlooking Post-UTME Requirements: Some institutions have specific Post-UTME criteria. Ensure you are aware of and meet these requirements for your new institution or course.

What to Do If You Encounter Issues

If you experience any problems during the JAMB Change of Course/Institution process, here are steps you can take:

• Forgotten Login Details: Use the “Forgot Password” feature on the JAMB portal to recover your login credentials.
• Payment Issues: If your payment fails, confirm that your debit card has sufficient funds and that you have a stable internet connection. Retry the payment or contact your bank if issues persist.
• JAMB Support: If the problem is with the JAMB portal or the process itself, you can contact JAMB through their support channels or visit the nearest JAMB office for assistance.
• Contact Education Nigeria for assistance

Conclusion:

The JAMB Change of Course/Institution process provides candidates with the flexibility to modify their admission preferences after the UTME. Whether you want to align your admission with your UTME score, change your career path, or explore better options at other institutions, this process offers a simple and effective solution. By following the outlined steps and considering important factors, you can successfully complete the change of course/institution process and improve your chances of securing admission into a tertiary institution.