Introduction
Every year, thousands of Nigerian students write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and apply for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. After writing UTME and post-UTME exams, students usually wait for their admission status on the JAMB CAPS portal or directly from their school of choice.
But here’s the truth: not every student gets admitted on merit list. Some get admission through what is called supplementary admission.
This article is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the difference between merit and supplementary admission in Nigeria. We’ll cover the meaning, processes, examples, pros and cons, how schools use both admission methods, and tips for students to increase their chances in 2025/2026 admission.
What is Merit Admission in Nigeria?
Merit admission means admission given to students who meet or exceed the set requirements for their chosen course and institution. It is the first batch of admission list released by most universities.
For example:
- If a university sets the cut-off mark for Medicine at 280, only students who scored 280 and above in JAMB UTME and passed their post-UTME are admitted on merit list.
- It is based on high performance, not luck or connection.
Key Features of Merit Admission
- It is usually the first batch admission list.
- Admission is based strictly on JAMB score, post-UTME score, and O’level results.
- Students with the highest scores in each course are selected first.
- It reflects fairness and transparency.
What is Supplementary Admission in Nigeria?
Supplementary admission refers to admission slots given to students who did not meet the merit cut-off mark but still want to secure a place in the university by applying for another course with a lower cut-off mark.
In other words, it is like a second chance admission.
For example:
- A student who scores 250 and applies for Medicine (cut-off 280) may not get admitted on merit.
- But the same student can be considered for supplementary admission in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Nursing, or other related courses with lower cut-off marks.
Key Features of Supplementary Admission
- It is usually the second or third admission batch.
- Admission depends on available spaces after merit list is released.
- Students may need to buy a supplementary form to apply for a new course.
- It favors students who missed the merit cut-off but still have good grades.
Difference Between Merit and Supplementary Admission in Nigeria
Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Feature | Merit Admission | Supplementary Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Strictly high performance | Alternative chance for those below cut-off |
| Batch | First admission list | Second or third batch |
| Process | Automatic, based on scores | Requires application or supplementary form |
| Courses | Original choice of course | Often change to lower cut-off courses |
| Cost | Free (no extra payment) | May require buying supplementary form |
| Chances | Very competitive | Moderate, depends on available spaces |
| Fairness | Highly transparent | Still fair but depends on availability |
| Target Students | High scorers | Average scorers with flexibility |
| Timing | Released early | Released later |
| Example | Medicine at 280 cut-off | Anatomy at 230 cut-off |
Why Merit Admission is Important
- Reward for Hard Work – It encourages students to aim high in JAMB and post-UTME.
- Transparency – It shows that schools recognize and reward top performers.
- Prestige – Students admitted on merit often feel a sense of pride.
- Early Admission – Merit list students are admitted earlier and can start registration faster.
Why Supplementary Admission is Important
- Second Chance – Students who narrowly miss merit still get a shot at university admission.
- Flexibility – It allows students to switch to related or alternative courses.
- Reduces Admission Pressure – More students gain admission instead of being left behind.
- Boosts School Enrollment – Universities can fill available spaces to reach their capacity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Merit Admission in Nigeria
If you want to get admission on merit list in 2025/2026, follow these steps:
Step 1: Score High in JAMB
Aim for at least 20–30 marks above the cut-off for your desired course.
- Medicine: target 280+
- Law: target 260+
- Engineering: target 240+
Step 2: Prepare for Post-UTME
Most schools conduct screening or exams. Perform well because it adds to your JAMB score.
Step 3: Upload O’Level Results
Merit admission requires 5 credits in relevant subjects (English and Mathematics included).
Step 4: Monitor JAMB CAPS
Merit admissions are usually the first to reflect on JAMB CAPS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Supplementary Admission in Nigeria
If you didn’t make the merit list, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Wait for the Merit List
Confirm you were not offered admission for your original course.
Step 2: Apply for Supplementary Form
Most universities release supplementary forms online. Example: UNILAG, UNIZIK, UNN, IMSU.
Step 3: Choose a Lower Cut-Off Course
Switch to a course with lower competition. For example:
- From Medicine → Anatomy
- From Law → Political Science
- From Engineering → Physics
Step 4: Submit and Wait
Schools will release supplementary admission lists after processing applications.
Pros and Cons of Merit Admission
Pros
- Fair and transparent.
- No extra payment.
- Students study their dream course.
Cons
- Extremely competitive.
- Only a small percentage of students qualify.
Pros and Cons of Supplementary Admission
Pros
- Gives students a second chance.
- Easier to secure than merit admission.
- Helps students enter university faster instead of waiting another year.
Cons
- May not get your dream course.
- Some universities charge extra for supplementary forms.
- Spaces are limited and not guaranteed.
Example of Merit vs Supplementary Admission in Nigerian Universities
Let’s take University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) as an example:
- Cut-off for Medicine: 290
- Cut-off for Nursing: 260
- Cut-off for Anatomy: 230
A student with 250 in JAMB will not make the merit list for Medicine.
But the same student can apply for supplementary admission into Anatomy or Nursing.
Tips for Students to Succeed in Both Admission Types
- Start Early – Prepare for JAMB and post-UTME on time.
- Aim Higher – Target scores above the average cut-off.
- Be Flexible – Be open to alternative courses.
- Follow Updates – Always check your school’s admission portal.
- Upload Documents – Make sure WAEC/NECO results are uploaded on JAMB CAPS.
- Avoid Scammers – Admission is strictly controlled by JAMB and universities.
Summary Table: Merit vs Supplementary Admission in Nigeria
| Criteria | Merit Admission | Supplementary Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Batch | First List | Second/Third List |
| Requirement | High score in JAMB & Post-UTME | Lower cut-off, available spaces |
| Cost | Free | May require form fee |
| Dream Course | Yes | Not always |
| Competition | Very high | Moderate |
| Fairness | Transparent | Depends on available slots |
| Students Favored | Top scorers | Average scorers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is merit admission in Nigeria?
Merit admission is the first batch of admission given to students who meet or exceed the cut-off marks for their chosen courses.
2. What is supplementary admission in Nigeria?
It is a second-chance admission for students who missed merit but can switch to courses with lower cut-off marks.
3. Which is better, merit or supplementary admission?
Merit is better because it guarantees your dream course, but supplementary admission is still a great option if you miss merit.
4. Do I need to pay for supplementary admission?
Yes, most schools require you to buy a supplementary form.
5. Can I still get my first-choice course through supplementary admission?
Rarely. Supplementary admission usually requires switching to a lower cut-off course.
6. When is merit admission list released?
It is usually the first admission list released, a few weeks after post-UTME.
7. When is supplementary admission list released?
It comes after merit admission, often as the second or third list.
8. Can I apply for supplementary admission in two schools?
Yes, but you must have chosen them in JAMB and follow their guidelines.
9. Is merit admission automatic?
Yes, if your score is high enough, you don’t need to apply separately.
10. Can I get admission without merit or supplementary list?
Yes, through other lists like catchment area, direct entry, or VC’s list.
11. Which universities offer supplementary admission?
Almost all Nigerian universities like UNILAG, UNIZIK, UNN, LASU, IMSU, and others.
12. Does JAMB approve supplementary admission?
Yes, all admissions (merit or supplementary) must be approved on JAMB CAPS.
Conclusion
The difference between merit and supplementary admission in Nigeria lies mainly in the criteria and timing. Merit admission is for the top scorers and is released first, while supplementary admission is for students who missed merit but can still secure a place through alternative courses.
As a Nigerian student, the best strategy is to aim for merit admission by scoring high in JAMB and post-UTME. But if that doesn’t work, supplementary admission gives you another chance.
Whichever path you take, remember: admission success depends on preparation, flexibility, and staying updated with your school’s announcements.