JAMB Preferred Institutions: Definition & Benefits

In JAMB language, a preferred institution is your second-choice institution — the school JAMB will consider for your admission if your first-choice school does not give you an offer. Picking the right preferred institution can save your year.

Under the current JAMB rules, every UTME candidate can list:

Two universities — one first choice, one second choice (your “preferred”)
Up to four polytechnics or colleges of education — across both monotechnic and dual-mode institutions

Will Your Preferred Institution Actually Admit You?

Not every school accepts a candidate who picks them as second choice. The rule of thumb:

Most federal universities (UI, UNILAG, UNIBEN, UNILORIN, UNN, OAU, FUTA, UNIPORT, BUK, UNIJOS, etc.) admit only first-choice candidates — even if you score above the cut-off as second choice. To be admitted you would have to do a Change of Institution to make them first choice (source: Nigeria Education News; JAMB portal).
Most state universities accept second-choice candidates as part of broader access policies.
Almost all private universities accept second-choice candidates and run rolling admission cycles.
Polytechnics and colleges of education generally accept second-, third- and fourth-choice candidates, especially private and state-owned ones.

If your dream is a competitive federal university, your safest play is to pair it with a state or private university as your preferred institution — somewhere you would actually attend if your first choice falls through.

How to Pick a Smart Preferred Institution

Match your projected UTME score. Pick a preferred school whose departmental cut-off is at or below the score you realistically expect.
Check that it admits second-choice candidates. Look for the school’s admission policy on its official website or its JAMB profile.
Match the course. Your second-choice course must be offered by your preferred institution. Mismatches kill admissions.
Consider geography and cost. Boarding, transport and tuition vary widely between federal, state and private schools.
Use Change of Institution if needed. JAMB’s Correction-of-Data window lets you switch institutions before the admission process closes.

Approved Tertiary Institutions You Can Pick

The lists below cover Nigeria’s NUC-, NBTE- and NCCE-approved institutions you can list as your preferred (second) choice. Use them alongside the JAMB e-facility brochure to confirm courses offered.

Private Universities

Achievers University, Owo
Adeleke University, Ede
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State
Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin
Al-Qalam University, Katsina
American University of Nigeria, Yola
Augustine University
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
Baze University
Bells University of Technology, Otta
Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
Bingham University, New Karu
Bowen University, Iwo
Caleb University, Lagos
Caritas University, Enugu
Chrisland University
Covenant University, Ota
Crawford University, Igbesa
Crescent University
Edwin Clark University, Kaigbodo
Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
Evangel University, Akaeze
Fountain University, Oshogbo
Gregory University, Uturu
Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun
Hezekiah University, Umudi
Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike – Enugu State
African University of Science and Technology, Abuja
Igbinedion University, Okada
Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji
Kings University, Ode Omu
Kwararafa University, Wukari
Landmark University, Omu-Aran
Lead City University, Ibadan
Madonna University, Okija
McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ajebo
Michael & Cecilia Ibru University
Mountain Top University
Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
Novena University, Ogume
Obong University, Obong Ntak
Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu – Osun State
Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Paul University, Awka – Anambra State
Redeemer’s University, Ede
Renaissance University, Enugu
Rhema University, Obeama-Asa – Rivers State
Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
Salem University, Lokoja
Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State
Southwestern University, Oku Owa
Summit University, Offa
Tansian University, Umunya
University of Mkar, Mkar
Veritas University, Abuja
Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa – Edo State
Wesley University, Ondo
Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State
Christopher University, Mowe
Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State
Dominican University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Legacy University, Okija, Anambra State
Arthur Jarvis University, Akpoyubo, Cross River State
Ojaja University, Eiyenkorin, Kwara State
Coal City University, Enugu State
Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State
Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State
Precious Cornerstone University, Oyo
PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt
Atiba University, Oyo
Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos
Skyline University, Kano
Greenfield University, Kaduna
Dominion University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Trinity University, Ogun State
Westland University, Iwo, Osun State
Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State
Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State
Maranatha University, Lagos
Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State
Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State
Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Cross River State
Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Imo State
NOK University, Kachia, Kaduna State
Karl-Kumm University, Vom, Plateau State
James Hope University, Lagos
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano State
Capital City University, Kano State
Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State
University of Offa, Kwara State
Mewar International University, Masaka, Nasarawa State
Edusoko University, Bida, Niger State
Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja
Khadija University, Majia, Jigawa State
Anan University, Kwall, Plateau State
North Eastern University, Gombe
Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, Borno State
Margaret Lawrence University, Umunede, Delta State
Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu University, Kano
Sports University, Idumuje, Ugboko, Delta State
Baba Ahmed University, Kano State
Saisa University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sokoto State
Nigerian British University, Asa, Abia State
Peter University, Achina-Onneh, Anambra State
Newgate University, Minna, Niger State
European University of Nigeria, Duboyi, FCT
NorthWest University, Sokoto State
Rayhaan University, Kebbi
Muhammad Kamalud University, Kwara
Sam Maris University, Ondo
Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State
Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Enugu State
PeaceLand University, Enugu State
Amadeus University, Amizi, Abia State
Vision University, Ikogbo, Ogun State
Azman University, Kano State
Huda University, Gusau, Zamfara State
Franco British International University, Kaduna State
Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja
Gerar University of Medical Science, Imope Ijebu, Ogun State
British Canadian University, Obufu, Cross River State
Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Sagbama, Bayelsa State
Amaj University, Kwali, Abuja
Phoenix University, Agwada, Nasarawa State
Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State
Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemisi, Ekiti State
University on the Niger, Umunya, Anambra State
Elrazi Medical University Yargaya University, Kano State
Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State
The Duke Medical University, Calabar, Cross River State
Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Ogun State
Cosmopolitan University, Abuja
Miva Open University, Abuja, FCT
Iconic Open University, Sokoto State
West Midlands Open University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja
El-Amin University, Minna, Niger State
College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna State
Jewel University, Gombe State
Prime University, Kuje, FCT Abuja
Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Apapa, Lagos State
Al-Bayan University, Ankpa, Kogi State
Lighthouse University, Evbobanosa, Edo State
African University of Economics, FCT, Abuja
New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State
University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State
Eranova University, Abuja
Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State
Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Ogba, Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State
Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State
Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
Tonine Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State
Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State

Federal Universities

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University – Bauchi
Ahmadu Bello University – Zaria, Kaduna State
Bayero University – Kano
Federal University Gashua – Yobe
Federal University of Petroleum Resources – Effurun, Delta State
Federal University of Technology – Akure, Ondo State
Federal University of Technology – Minna, Niger State
Federal University of Technology – Owerri, Imo State
Federal University – Dutse, Jigawa State
Federal University – Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
Federal University – Kashere, Gombe State
Federal University – Lafia, Nasarawa State
Federal University – Lokoja, Kogi State
Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike – Ebonyi State
Federal University – Otuoke, Bayelsa State
Federal University – Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Federal University – Wukari, Taraba State
Federal University – Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
Federal University – Gusau, Zamfara State
Michael Okpara University of Agricultural – Umudike, Abia State
Modibbo Adama University of Technology – Yola, Adamawa State
National Open University of Nigeria – Abuja, FCT
Nigeria Police Academy – Wudil, Kano State
Nigerian Defence Academy – Kaduna
Nnamdi Azikiwe University – Awka, Anambra State
Obafemi Awolowo University – Ile-Ife, Osun State
University of Abuja – Gwagwalada, FCT
Federal University of Agriculture – Abeokuta, Ogun State
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University – Makurdi, Benue State
University of Benin – Edo State
University of Calabar – Cross River State
University of Ibadan – Oyo State
University of Ilorin – Kwara State
University of Jos – Plateau State
University of Lagos – Lagos State
University of Maiduguri – Borno State
University of Nigeria – Nsukka, Enugu State
University of Port Harcourt – Rivers State
University of Uyo – Akwa Ibom State
Usumanu Danfodiyo University – Sokoto
Nigerian Maritime University – Okerenkoko, Delta State
Air Force Institute of Technology – Kaduna
Nigerian Army University – Biu, Borno State
Federal University of Health Sciences – Otukpo, Benue State
Federal University of Agriculture – Zuru, Kebbi State
Federal University of Technology – Babura, Jigawa State
Federal University of Technology – Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State
Federal University of Health Sciences – Azare, Bauchi State
Federal University of Health Sciences – Ila Orangun, Osun State
David Nweze Umahi University of Medical Sciences – Uburu, Ebonyi State
Admiralty University – Ibusa, Delta State
Federal University of Transportation – Daura, Katsina State
African Aviation and Aerospace University – Abuja, FCT
National University of Science and Technology – Abuja, FCT
Federal University of Agriculture – Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa State
Federal University of Health Sciences – Kwale, Delta State
Federal University of Health Sciences – Katsina State
Federal University of Agriculture – Mubi, Adamawa State
Federal University of Education – Zaria, Kaduna State
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education – Owerri, Imo State
Federal University of Education – Kano
Adeyemi Federal University of Education – Ondo State
Federal University of Allied Health Sciences – Enugu State
Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences – Abeokuta, Ogun State
Federal University of Education – Pankshin, Plateau State
Federal University of Education – Kontagora, Niger State
University of Maritime Studies – Oron, Akwa Ibom State
Federal University of Environment and Technology – Tai Town, Rivers State
Federal University of Applied Sciences – Kachia, Kaduna State
Tai Solarin Federal University of Education – Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies – Iragbiji, Osun State
Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies – Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State

State Universities

Abia State University – Uturu, Abia State
Adamawa State University – Mubi, Adamawa State
Adekunle Ajasin University – Akungba, Ondo State
Akwa Ibom State University – Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State
Ambrose Alli University – Ekpoma, Edo State
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University – Uli, Anambra State
Bauchi State University – Gadau, Bauchi State
Benue State University – Makurdi, Benue State
Yobe State University – Damaturu, Yobe State
University of Cross River State – Calabar, Cross River State
Delta State University – Abraka, Delta State
Ebonyi State University – Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
Ekiti State University – Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
Enugu State University of Science and Technology – Enugu State
Gombe State University – Gombe, Gombe State
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University – Lapai, Niger State
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education – Rumuolumeni, Rivers State
Imo State University – Owerri, Imo State
Sule Lamido University – Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State
Kaduna State University – Kaduna, Kaduna State
Aliko Dangote University of Science & Technology – Wudil, Kano State
Kebbi State University of Science and Technology – Aliero, Kebbi State
Prince Abubakar Audu University – Anyigba, Kogi State
Kwara State University – Ilorin, Kwara State
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology – Ogbomoso, Oyo State
Olusegun Agagu University of Science & Technology – Okitipupa, Ondo State
Rivers State University – Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Olabisi Onabanjo University – Ago Iwoye, Ogun State
Lagos State University – Ojo, Lagos State
Niger Delta University – Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Nasarawa State University – Keffi, Nasarawa State
Plateau State University – Bokkos, Plateau State
Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University – Katsina, Katsina State
Osun State University – Osogbo, Osun State
Taraba State University – Jalingo, Taraba State
Sokoto State University – Sokoto State
Yusuf Maitama Sule University – Kano State
First Technical University – Ibadan, Oyo State
University of Medical Sciences – Ondo City, Ondo State
Edo State University – Uzairue, Edo State
Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University – Ogboko, Imo State
University of Africa – Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State
Borno State University – Maiduguri, Borno State
Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology – Abeokuta, Ogun State
Gombe State University of Science and Technology – Gombe State
Zamfara State University – Zamfara State
Bayelsa Medical University – Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences – Umuagwo, Imo State
Confluence University of Science and Technology – Osara, Kogi State
University of Delta – Agbor, Delta State
Delta University of Science and Technology – Ozoro, Delta State
Dennis Osadebe University – Asaba, Delta State
Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology – Ikere, Ekiti State
Lagos State University of Education – Ijanikin, Lagos State
Lagos State University of Science and Technology – Ikorodu, Lagos State
Shehu Shagari University of Education – Sokoto State
State University of Medical and Applied Sciences – Igbo-Eno, Enugu State
University of Ilesa – Osun State
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education – Oyo State
Kogi State University – Kabba, Kogi State
AbdulKadir Kure University – Minna, Niger State
Kwara State University of Education – Ilorin, Kwara State
Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action – Mokwa, Niger State
Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology – Oferekpe, Ebonyi State
Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship – Akamkpa, Cross River State
Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology – Benue State

Polytechnics

Federal Polytechnics

Air Force Institute of Technology – Kaduna
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic – Unwana, Ebonyi State
Auchi Polytechnic – Auchi, Edo State
Federal Polytechnic, Ado‑Ekiti – Ekiti State
Federal Polytechnic, Ayede – Ondo State
Federal Polytechnic, Bali – Taraba State
Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi – Bauchi State
Federal Polytechnic, Bida – Niger State
Federal Polytechnic, Daura – Katsina State
Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu – Yobe State
Federal Polytechnic, Ede – Osun State
Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe – Bayelsa State
Federal Polytechnic, Idah – Kogi State
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro – Ogun State
Federal Polytechnic, Ile‑Oluji – Ondo State
Federal Polytechnic, Isuochi – Abia State
Federal Polytechnic, Kabo – Kano State
Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo – Gombe State
Federal Polytechnic, Kaura‑Namoda – Zamfara State
Federal Polytechnic, Monguno – Borno State
Federal Polytechnic, Mubi – Adamawa State
Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa – Nasarawa State
Federal Polytechnic, Offa – Kwara State
Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo – Enugu State
Federal Polytechnic, Oko – Anambra State
Federal Polytechnic, Orogun – Delta State
Federal Polytechnic, Ukana – Akwa Ibom State
Federal Polytechnic, Ugep – Cross River State
Federal Polytechnic, Wannune – Benue State
Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic – Kazaure, Jigawa State
Kaduna Polytechnic – Kaduna State
Maritime Academy of Nigeria – Oron, Akwa Ibom State
National Institute of Construction Technology & Management – Uromi, Edo State
Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science & Technology – Makurdi, Benue State
Nigerian College of Aviation Technology – Zaria, Kaduna State
Petroleum Training Institute – Effurun, Delta State
Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic – Birnin‑Kebbi, Kebbi State
Yaba College of Technology – Lagos State

State Polytechnics

Abdu Gusau Polytechnic – Talata Mafara, Zamfara
Abia State Polytechnic – Aba, Abia
Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic – Ijebu‑Igbo, Ogun
Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic – Bauchi, Bauchi
Adamawa State Polytechnic – Yola, Adamawa
Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic – Eruwa, Oyo
Akwa Ibom State College of Arts & Science – Nung Ukim, Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic – Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom
Anambra State Polytechnic – Mgbakwu, Anambra
Bayelsa State Polytechnic – Aleibiri, Bayelsa
Benue State Polytechnic – Ugbokolo, Benue
Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic – Hadejia, Jigawa
College of Agriculture, Science & Technology – Gujba, Yobe
College of Administration, Management & Tech – Potiskum, Yobe
College of Agriculture, Science & Tech – Lafia, Nasarawa
Cross River Institute of Tech & Management – Ugep, Cross River
Delta State Polytechnic – Ogwashi‑Uku, Delta
Delta State Polytechnic – Otefe‑Oghara, Delta
Delta State Polytechnic – Ozoro, Delta
Delta State School of Marine Tech – Burutu, Delta
D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic – Itori‑Ewekoro, Ogun
Edo State Polytechnic – Usen, Edo
Ekiti State College of Agriculture & Tech – Isan‑Ekiti, Ekiti
Enugu State Polytechnic – Iwollo, Enugu
Gateway Polytechnic – Saapade, Ogun
Gombe State Polytechnic – Bajoga, Gombe
Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic – Katsina
Imo State Polytechnic – Umuagwo, Imo
Institute of Management & Tech – Enugu
Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic – Lafia, Nasarawa
Jigawa State Polytechnic – Dutse, Jigawa
Kano State Polytechnic – Kano
Katsina Institute of Tech & Management – Katsina
Kenule Beeson Saro‑Wiwa Polytechnic – Bori, Rivers
Kogi State Polytechnic – Lokoja, Kogi
Kwara State Polytechnic – Ilorin, Kwara
Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) – Ikorodu, Lagos
Mai‑Idris Alooma Polytechnic – Geidam, Yobe
Moshood Abiola Polytechnic – Abeokuta, Ogun
Niger State Polytechnic – Zungeru, Niger
Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic – Zaria, Kaduna
Ogun State Institute of Tech – Igbesa, Ogun
Ogun State Polytechnic – Ipokia, Ogun
Osun State College of Tech – Esa‑Oke, Osun
Osun State Polytechnic – Iree, Osun
Oyo State College of Agriculture & Tech – Igbo‑Ora, Oyo
Plateau State Polytechnic – Barkin‑Ladi, Plateau
Port‑Harcourt Polytechnic – Rivers
Ramat Polytechnic – Maiduguri, Borno
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic – Owo, Ondo
Taraba State Polytechnic – Suntai, Taraba
The Oke‑Ogun Polytechnic – Saki, Oyo
The Polytechnic, Ibadan – Oyo
Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic – Sokoto
Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic – Bauchi

Private Polytechnics

Ajayi Polytechnic
Al‑Hikma Polytechnic
Allover Central Polytechnic
Ashi Polytechnic
Bellarks Polytechnic
Best Solution Polytechnic
Bolmor Polytechnic
Brainfill Polytechnic
British Transatlantic Polytechnic
Calvary Polytechnic
Citi Polytechnic
Coastal Polytechnic
Covenant Polytechnic
Crown Polytechnic
Dorben Polytechnic
Eastern Polytechnic
Ekiti City Polytechnic
Enville Institute of Management & Technology
Fidei Polytechnic
Foundation Polytechnic
Gloryland Polytechnic
Grace Polytechnic
Heritage Polytechnic
Hope Polytechnic
Ibadan City Polytechnic
Igbajo Polytechnic
Interlink Polytechnic
Kings Polytechnic
Lagos City Polytechnic
Lens Polytechnic
Lighthouse Polytechnic
Marist Polytechnic
Mater Dei Polytechnic
NACABS Polytechnic
Newland Polytechnic
NOGAK Polytechnic
Novelty Polytechnic
Oduduwa Polytechnic
Our Saviour Institute of Science, Agriculture & Technology
Paramount Polytechnic
Prime Polytechnic
Redeemers College of Technology & Management
Ronik Polytechnic
Shaka Polytechnic
Speedway Polytechnic
St Mary Polytechnic
Stars Polytechnic
Sure Foundation Polytechnic
Teedek Polytechnic
Temple Gate Polytechnic
The Polytechnic, Adoka
The Polytechnic, Aran‑Orin
The Polytechnic, Igbo‑Owu
The Polytechnic, Ile‑Ife
The Polytechnic, Iresi
Timeon Kairos Polytechnic
Tower Polytechnic
Trinity Polytechnic
Uma Ukpai Polytechnic
Ultra Excellence Polytechnic
United Polytechnic
Uyo City Polytechnic
Valley View Polytechnic
Villanova Polytechnic
Westland Polytechnic
Wolex Polytechnic
Ebiri Polytechnic
Agbadu Polytechnic
SoftPower Polytechnic

Colleges of Education

Federal Colleges of Education

Federal College of Education (Special) – Oyo
Adeyemi College of Education – Ondo
Federal College of Education, Kano
Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu (Enugu)
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Abeokuta
Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe
Federal College of Education, Kontagora (Niger)
Federal College of Education, Okene (Kogi)
Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku (Rivers)
Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum (Yobe)
Federal College of Education, Zaria (Kaduna)
Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka (Lagos)
Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi (Kano)
Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau (Zamfara)
Federal College of Education, Katsina
Federal College of Education, Obudu (Cross River)
Federal College of Education, Pankshin (Plateau)
Federal College of Education, Yola (Adamawa)
Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze (Anambra)
Federal College of Education, Sokoto
Federal College of Education, Bauchi
Federal College of Education, Obudu
Federal College of Education, Osun
Federal College of Education, Sokoto
Federal College of Education, Zaria
Nigerian Army School of Education, Ilorin.

State Colleges of Education

Abia State College of Education, Arochukwu (Abia)
Adamawa State College of Education, Hong (Adamawa)
Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu (Kebbi)
Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere (Bauchi)
Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin (Lagos)
Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha‑Nsit (Akwa Ibom)
Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare (Bauchi)
Bilyaminu Othman College of Education, Dass (Bauchi)
College of Education and Legal Studies, Nguru (Yobe)
College of Education, Akamkpa (Cross River)
College of Education, Akwanga (Nasarawa)
College of Education, Billiri (Gombe)
College of Education, Ekiadolor‑Benin (Edo)
College of Education, Gashua, Damaturu (Yobe)
College of Education, Gindiri (Plateau)
College of Education, Hong (Adamawa)
College of Education, Ikere‑Ekiti (Ekiti)
College of Education, Ila‑Orangun (Osun)
College of Education, Ilesa (Osun)
College of Education, Jalingo (Taraba)
College of Education, Katsina‑Ala (Benue)
College of Education, Lanlate (Oyo)
College of Education, Maru (Zamfara)
College of Education, Minna (Niger)
College of Education, Oju (Benue)
College of Education, Oro (Kwara)
College of Education, Waka‑Biu (Borno)
College of Education, Warri (Delta)
College of Education, Zing (Taraba)
Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa (Cross River)
Delta State College of Education, Agbor (Delta)
Delta State College of Physical Education, Mosogar (Delta)
Ebonyi State College of Education (Technical), Ikwo (Ebonyi)
Edo State College of Education, Igueben (Edo)
Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo (Oyo)
Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu (Enugu)
FCT College of Education, Zuba (Abuja)
Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin‑Ma (Katsina)
Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri (Borno)
Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan‑Waya (Kaduna)
Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa (Kogi)
Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba (Kogi)
Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin (Kwara)
Kwara State College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi (Kwara)
Kwara State College of Education, Oro (Kwara)
Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija‑Epe (Lagos)
Moje College of Education, Erin‑Ile (Kwara)
Niger State College of Education, Minna (Niger)
Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (Anambra)
Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso (Kano)
Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto (Sokoto)
St. Augustine College of Education, Yaba (Lagos)
Umar Ibn Ibrahim El‑Kanemi College of Education Science & Tech, Bama (Borno)
Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua (Yobe)
Yusuf Bala Usman College of Legal & General Studies (Note: state-run)
Zamfara State College of Education, Maru (Zamfara)

Private Colleges of Education in Nigeria

Institute of Ecumenical Education, Thinkers Corner
Delar College of Education
City College of Education, Mararaba
Ansar-Ud-Deen College of Education, Isolo
Yewa Central College of Education, Ayetoro
OSISA Technical College of Education, Enugu
St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka
African Thinkers Community of Inquiry College of Education
Muftau Olanihun College of Education
Havard Wilson College of Education, Aba
Muhyideen College of Education, Ilorin
College of Education, Offa
Bauchi Institute of Arabic & Islamic Studies
Corner Stone College of Education, Lagos
Peaceland College of Education, Enugu
The College of Education, Nsukka
Unity College of Education, Aukpa‑Adoka
Diamond College of Education, Aba
Kinsey College of Education, Ilorin
ECWA College of Education, Jos
Pan Africa Entrepreneurship & Vocational College of Education
Peacock College of Education, Jalingo
Piaget College of Education
Premier College of Education, Osun
Raphat College of Education, Osun
Royal City College of Education, Iyesi‑Ota
Royal College of Education, Ikeja
Royal College of Education, Ogun
S. Light College of Education, Kano
Sinai College of Education & Entrepreneurial Studies
Steady Flow College of Education, Ikom
Top-Most College of Education, Lagos
Upland College of Education, Ifira-Ipesi
Unity College of Education, Benue
African Church College of Education, Lagos
Corona College of Education, Lekki
Bethel College of Education, Ijare
MCF College of Education, Ughelli
Lessel College of Education, Ushongo
Bayo Tijani College of Education, Ikotun
Angel Crown College of Education, Abuja
Elder Oyama Memorial College of Education, Ofat
College of Education, Moro
Ebenezer College of Education, Amangwu
Apa College of Education, Aidogodo
Hill College of Education, Akwanga
Murtadha College of Education, Olodo
Arabic & Islamic College of Education, Potiskum
Bayo Tijani College of Education
Bethel College of Education
Steady Flow College of Education
Global College of Education, Jos
Nana Aishat Memorial College of Education, Ilorin
Kings Polytechnic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a preferred institution in JAMB?

A preferred institution is the second-choice school you pick during JAMB UTME registration — the school JAMB considers for admission if your first-choice school does not offer you a place.

How many institutions can I pick on my JAMB form?

You can list two universities (first and second choice) and up to four polytechnics or colleges of education on the same UTME form.

Do all schools accept second-choice candidates?

No. Most federal universities admit only first-choice candidates. State universities, private universities, polytechnics and colleges of education are far more likely to accept second-choice applicants.

Can I change my preferred institution after registration?

Yes. JAMB opens a Change of Course/Institution window for each admission cycle. You can switch schools or courses by paying the required fee on the JAMB portal.

Does picking a less-competitive preferred institution increase my chance of admission?

Yes — if your UTME score is borderline. Schools with lower cut-offs and second-choice acceptance policies give you a realistic backup.

What happens if I am rejected by both choices?

You can apply through JAMB’s supplementary admission, switch institutions through Change of Course/Institution, or apply to a private university or polytechnic that admits late entries.

Is there a separate JAMB preferred institutions form?

No. You enter your first and second choices on the same UTME registration form on the JAMB portal.

Can my first and second choices be the same university?

No. JAMB requires the first-choice and second-choice to be different institutions.

JAMB Preferred Institutions: Full List + How to Pick