JAMB lets you pick a first and second choice university. Knowing which schools actually consider second-choice candidates can save your admission.
JAMB allows every UTME candidate to list two universities on the application form: one first choice and one second choice. You can also pick up to two polytechnics or colleges of education. The catch: not every university treats those slots equally. Many federal universities only screen first-choice applicants, even if your score clears their cut-off.
This guide shows you how the choices work, which universities still consider second-choice candidates, and how to pick a backup that actually pays off.
How JAMB First and Second Choice Work
On the UTME e-facility portal, you select:
- 1 first-choice university
- 1 second-choice university
- Up to 2 polytechnics or colleges of education
JAMB sends your score to both universities through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). Each school then decides whether it wants to screen you. Most top federal universities — UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, UNN, ABU, OAU, UNILORIN, UNIPORT, BUK, FUTA, FUTMINNA, FUNAAB and similar names — pull only from their first-choice pool. They have more first-choice applicants than seats, so second-choice files never reach the screening table.
Newer federal universities, most state universities and almost every private university are different. They have spare capacity and will look at second-choice candidates who meet the cut-off and post-UTME requirements.
Federal Universities That Accept Second Choice
These 13 federal universities have a track record of admitting second-choice candidates. They are mostly newer institutions with available space:
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno
- Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti
- Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA), Kogi
- Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa
- Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), Kebbi
- Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina
- Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA), Yobe
- Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA), Nasarawa
- Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Zamfara
- Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE), Gombe
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi
- Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE), Bayelsa
- Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI), Taraba
Even at these schools, less competitive courses (agriculture, education, pure sciences) take second-choice candidates more often than medicine, law, or engineering.
State Universities That Accept Second Choice
State universities tend to be more flexible because they admit fewer candidates from out of state. Schools commonly listed as second-choice friendly include:
- Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU)
- Adamawa State University, Mubi (ADSU)
- Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot-Akpaden (AKSU)
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli (COOU, formerly ANSU)
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU)
- University of Cross River State, Calabar (UNICROSS, formerly CRUTECH)
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
- Kogi State University, Anyigba (KSU)
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)
- Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU)
- Sokoto State University (SSU)
- Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSU)
Confirm on the school’s website each year. State governments sometimes restrict second-choice intake when first-choice numbers spike.
Private Universities That Accept Second Choice
Most private universities take second-choice candidates without much fuss. Tuition fees keep first-choice numbers low, so they need second-choice applicants to fill seats. Examples that have publicly confirmed second-choice intake:
- American University of Nigeria, Yola
- Modibbo Adama University, Yola
- Gregory University, Uturu
- Paul University, Awka
- Tansian University, Umunya
- University of Mkar, Gboko
- Western Delta University, Oghara
- Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo
- Obong University, Obong-Ntak
- Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene
- Bowen University, Iwo
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- Covenant University, Ota
The big-name private schools (Babcock, Covenant, Bowen, Afe Babalola) still run their own post-UTME screening. Meeting the JAMB cut-off only opens the door — fees and a separate aptitude test decide the rest.
How to Pick a Smart Second Choice
Treat the second slot as real insurance, not a wish.
- Pick a less competitive school. Match it to your realistic UTME range, not your dream score.
- Check the school’s published policy. Look on the admission page for “second choice considered” or “first choice only”.
- Pair the same course on both sides. Or pick a related course at the second-choice school so your O’level subjects still fit.
- Avoid duplicating your first choice’s tier. If UNILAG is first, don’t use UNIBEN as second — both reject second-choice files.
- Mind catchment. State universities often favour state of origin. A second choice in your home state usually has a better chance.
How CAPS Handles Second-Choice Offers
After post-UTME, your status on CAPS will move through stages:
- Awaiting Admission — no school has acted yet
- Admission in Progress — a school is considering you
- Admission Offered — accept or reject within the window
- Admission Not Offered — final decline by that school
If your first choice declines and your second-choice school will not consider you, JAMB lets you do a Change of Institution. The fee is around N2,500 and you can switch to any school still admitting. Move fast — second-batch slots fill in days.
If you get an offer from your second-choice school, accept it on CAPS yourself. Schools no longer push admissions; you must log in and click Accept within the deadline or the slot is released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose two universities as both first and second choice?
Yes. JAMB restored the two-university option years ago. You pick one first-choice university and one second-choice university on the same form.
Does UNILAG, UI or UNIBEN accept second choice?
No. The top federal universities only screen first-choice candidates. Picking them as a second choice is a wasted slot.
Will I be admitted if I score above the cut-off as a second choice?
Only if the school accepts second-choice files. Meeting the cut-off does not force any university to admit you — they choose from their pool.
What is the difference between a real second choice and “change of institution”?
A real second choice means the school screens you alongside their first-choice list. Change of institution is a fresh application to a different school after the first round, using a paid JAMB form.
Do private universities really take second choice?
Most do. They still require you to meet the JAMB minimum (140 for many private schools) and pass their internal screening, but second-choice status is not a barrier.
Can I pick a polytechnic as second choice for university admission?
No. The first and second slots are tied to the same institution type. University candidates pick two universities; polytechnic candidates pick polytechnics or colleges of education.
What happens if both my choices reject me?
Use Change of Institution on the JAMB portal. You can switch to any school still admitting in that cycle, then re-do the post-UTME for the new school.
Are catchment and ELDS rules applied to second-choice candidates?
Yes. State universities apply catchment to both first and second-choice files, and federal universities apply Educationally Less Developed States quotas the same way.
Pick your second choice the way you would pick a spare tyre — not the prettiest one, the one that fits.