What Does “Two Sittings” Mean in Nigerian University Admission?
“Two sittings” means combining the results of two different exam attempts (e.g., WAEC + NECO, WAEC + WAEC, or NECO + NECO) to get the required five credit passes for admission.
For example:
- In your first WAEC exam, you got credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, and Physics.
- In your second exam (maybe NECO), you got credits in Chemistry and Mathematics.
- You can combine both results so that you now have the required five credits, including English and Mathematics.
This is helpful for students who did not pass all their subjects in one sitting.
Why Do Students Use Two Sittings?
Students use two sittings for admission when they:
- Failed one or two core subjects in the first attempt.
- Want to avoid waiting another year to rewrite all subjects.
- Need to meet admission requirements quickly.
- Had issues like exam malpractice cancellation in one result.
Do All Universities in Nigeria Accept Two Sittings?
No. Not every university accepts two sittings. Some universities only accept one sitting, especially for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy.
However, most Nigerian universities (both federal and state) accept two sittings for many courses.
Advantages of Two Sittings for Admission
- Second Chance – It helps students who had weak results in one exam.
- Time Saving – Instead of waiting another year, you can still gain admission.
- Flexibility – You can combine WAEC, NECO, or GCE results.
- Accessibility – Makes admission easier for students from rural or disadvantaged areas.
Disadvantages of Two Sittings for Admission
- Not Accepted Everywhere – Some schools or courses don’t allow two sittings.
- Competitive Courses Restriction – Courses like Medicine and Law often demand one sitting.
- Extra Cost – Students must pay for multiple exam registrations.
- Record Challenges – Sometimes, results from two different sittings may cause verification delays.
List of Nigerian Universities That Accept Two Sittings for Admission 2025/2026
Below is a detailed list of federal, state, and private universities that allow two sittings in Nigeria.
Federal Universities That Accept Two Sittings
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – accepts two sittings but some competitive courses require one sitting.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – accepts WAEC/NECO combination.
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) – accepts two sittings except for Medicine and Surgery.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) – allows two sittings for most courses.
- University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) – accepts WAEC and NECO results combined.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – widely accepts two sittings.
- Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) – accepts WAEC + NECO.
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – accepts two sittings for many courses.
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) – accepts two sittings.
- University of Calabar (UNICAL) – accepts two sittings except for some medical courses.
State Universities That Accept Two Sittings
- Lagos State University (LASU) – accepts WAEC/NECO two sittings.
- Imo State University (IMSU) – accepts WAEC and NECO combinations.
- Delta State University (DELSU) – widely accepts two sittings.
- Ambrose Alli University (AAU Ekpoma) – accepts two sittings.
- Rivers State University (RSU) – accepts WAEC and NECO results.
- Benue State University (BSU) – allows WAEC/NECO combination.
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – accepts two sittings for most courses.
- Ekiti State University (EKSU) – accepts WAEC and NECO two sittings.
- Abia State University (ABSU) – accepts WAEC + NECO.
- Kogi State University (KSU) – accepts two sittings.
Private Universities That Accept Two Sittings
- Covenant University – accepts WAEC/NECO two sittings (except Medicine-related).
- Babcock University – accepts WAEC and NECO combinations.
- Bowen University – accepts two sittings.
- Madonna University – accepts two sittings.
- Igbinedion University – allows WAEC/NECO.
- Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) – accepts two sittings.
- Redeemer’s University – accepts two sittings for most courses.
- Caleb University – accepts two sittings.
- Lead City University – accepts WAEC + NECO.
- Adeleke University – accepts two sittings.
Courses That Do Not Allow Two Sittings in Some Universities
While many universities accept two sittings, some courses require one sitting:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Law (in some universities)
- Nursing
This is because these courses are highly competitive and require strong academic performance.
How to Combine Two Sittings Correctly
- Ensure that both results are from WAEC, NECO, or GCE.
- You must have at least 5 credits including English and Mathematics across both results.
- Avoid combining WAEC with NABTEB, as most universities don’t accept it.
- Always upload both results to the JAMB CAPS portal.
- Confirm from your university’s admission office before applying.
Example of Two Sittings Combination
- First Sitting (WAEC 2023):
- English – C5
- Mathematics – D7
- Biology – C6
- Chemistry – B3
- Physics – C4
- Second Sitting (NECO 2024):
- English – C6
- Mathematics – B3
- Economics – C4
Combined Result:
English (C5), Mathematics (B3), Biology (C6), Chemistry (B3), Physics (C4).
Meets requirement of 5 credits in one sitting.
Pros of Choosing a University That Accepts Two Sittings
- More admission chances.
- Flexibility for students with weak results.
- Reduces wasted years.
Cons of Choosing a University That Accepts Two Sittings
- Limited course options.
- Some employers in the future prefer one sitting results.
- Extra effort in combining and submitting results.
Tips to Increase Your Admission Chances with Two Sittings
- Confirm Acceptance Policy – Always check if your school accepts two sittings.
- Target Less Competitive Courses – Apply for courses with lower cut-off marks.
- Score High in JAMB – High JAMB scores can balance weaker O’level results.
- Prepare for Post-UTME – Post-UTME performance matters a lot.
- Upload Results Early – Make sure both sittings are uploaded to JAMB CAPS before admission starts.
Summary Table of Nigerian Universities That Accept Two Sittings
| Category | Examples of Universities | Two Sittings Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities | UNILAG, UNN, UNIBEN, ABU, UNIZIK | Accepted (some restrictions on Medicine/Law) |
| State Universities | LASU, DELSU, IMSU, EKSU, ABSU | Accepted (varies by course) |
| Private Universities | Covenant, Babcock, Bowen, Madonna | Accepted (Medicine sometimes excluded) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does two sittings mean in Nigerian universities?
It means combining results from two exam attempts (e.g., WAEC + NECO) to get the required credits for admission.
2. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results?
Yes, most Nigerian universities accept WAEC and NECO combination.
3. Can I combine WAEC and NABTEB?
No, most universities do not accept WAEC + NABTEB.
4. Do all universities accept two sittings?
No. Some universities and courses only allow one sitting.
5. Does UNILAG accept two sittings?
Yes, but not for Medicine, Law, and some health sciences.
6. Does UNIBEN accept two sittings?
Yes, except for Medicine and Surgery.
7. Which courses don’t allow two sittings?
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and sometimes Law.
8. Does LASU accept two sittings?
Yes, Lagos State University accepts WAEC/NECO two sittings.
9. Can I combine two WAEC results?
Yes, WAEC + WAEC combination is acceptable.
10. Can I gain admission with two sittings in private universities?
Yes, most private universities accept WAEC/NECO two sittings.
11. Which is better: one sitting or two sittings?
One sitting is better because it shows strong academic ability, but two sittings is still valid for admission.
12. Do polytechnics accept two sittings?
Yes, almost all polytechnics in Nigeria accept two sittings.
Conclusion
Using two sittings for admission is a valid pathway for Nigerian students in 2025/2026. While it may not be accepted for all courses or in all universities, it remains a strong option for those who did not get the required credits in one exam attempt.
The difference is clear: if you are going for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy, it’s safer to have one sitting. But if your course and school accept it, combining WAEC and NECO (or WAEC + WAEC) can save you time and give you a second chance at securing admission.
The key is to research your chosen school’s policy, upload your results properly, and prepare for JAMB and post-UTME with determination.
With the right approach, two sittings can still lead you to your dream university in Nigeria.