1. What are Admission Intakes in Nigerian Universities?
1.1 Meaning of “Intake”
An intake is a time when a university admits new students. Most universities admit students once every year. But some universities admit students more than once a year. If a university has two intakes, it admits students twice per year. If it has three intakes, then three times per year.
This means you don’t have to wait a whole year if you missed the first intake. You may get a second chance later in the same academic year.
1.2 Types of Intakes (First, Second, Third etc.)
- First Intake: The main or early period when most admissions happen. Usually starts before the normal academic session begins (often around October–November for federal universities, but dates can differ).
- Second Intake: A second round of admission, often starting a few months after the first, such as in April–May or around the midpoint of the year.
- Third Intake (if available): Rare, but some universities may have a third period, maybe later in the year (e.g. late summer).
Sometimes, these intakes line up with semester systems, where there is a first semester and second semester. In universities operating a two semester system, the second intake might feed into the second semester.
1.3 Why Universities Have Multiple Intakes
There are several reasons:
- Demand Pressure: Many students apply. By having more intakes, universities can admit more students gradually instead of crowding in one period.
- Flexibility for Students: Students who miss deadlines or fail entrance exams the first time get another chance.
- Revenue & Utilization: Private universities especially may want to fill seats all year, so multiple intakes keep school busy and income steady.
- Academic Calendar & Semesters: Universities following semester systems may naturally admit per semester.
- Government Policy & Educational Access: To increase access to higher education, government or federal policy sometimes supports more intakes so more students can get admitted.
2. Universities in Nigeria with Multiple Admission Intakes
Which universities in Nigeria admit students more than once per year? There are many, including federal, state and private. Let’s look at each category.
2.1 Federal Universities
Federal universities are owned by the Nigerian federal government. Many of them have two intakes per year. Some use the semester system, others are moving toward it. They often have first (sometimes called first semester) and second (second semester) intakes.
Examples:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – often has two intakes.
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – sometimes admits in two batches.
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – has been known to offer second semester admissions.
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – second-semester intake sometimes.
2.2 State Universities
State universities are owned by state governments. Many state unis also admit more than once per year. Because they want to meet student demand, and sometimes to align with their own calendars.
Examples:
- Lagos State University (LASU) – often has extra/mid‐year intakes.
- Rivers State University – sometimes admits mid‐year.
- Ambrose Alli University (Ekpoma) – may have supplementary or second semester admission.
2.3 Private Universities
Private universities are more likely to offer multiple intakes. They often run on flexible schedules and sometimes semester systems. Because they aim to attract students and maximize usage of facilities, they often have two intakes.
Examples:
- Covenant University – mainly first intake, but may have mid‐year or second semester advertised on occasion.
- Babcock University – some programmes have second intake.
- American University of Nigeria (AUN) – often operates on semester system and admits per semester.
- Pan‑Atlantic University – some programmes may admit students in more than one period.
2.4 Specific Examples
Here are more concrete cases of universities that offer multiple intakes:
| University | Number of Intakes per Year | Notes / Programmes that Use Multiple Intakes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Two | First & Second semester intake; some distance learning or part‑time may have mid year. |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Two | First & Second semester for certain courses. |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | Two | Regular and mid‑year admissions. |
| American University of Nigeria (AUN) | Two | Many programmes with fall and spring intakes. |
| Babcock University | Two | Some programmes advertise both first and second intake. |
Note: Whether a university has multiple intakes may depend on the course (programme) and the department. Some departments open second intake, others do not.
3. How to Apply for Additional Intakes
If a university has more than one admission intake per year, you need to know when, how, and what is required. Here is a step‑by‑step process.
3.1 When They Happen
- Universities typically open first intake during or after UTME results are released (often between November and January).
- Second intake usually starts around April to June or when new semester starts, depending on the school calendar.
- Private universities might have spring intake (often early in the year) and fall intake (later in the year).
You must check the school’s admissions portal or school notice board to find the exact dates.
3.2 Entry Requirements
These are similar to first intake, usually:
- You must have a valid UTME score or OJEE or the exam the university uses.
- You must meet cut‑off mark for the course for that intake. Sometimes cut‑off for second intake may be higher or lower.
- You might need to do Post‑UTME or screening, if the university does screening.
- For some programmes (like medicine, engineering), extra requirements like subject combinations, grade point, etc.
3.3 Documents Needed
When applying, you typically submit:
- Your UTME result slip
- SSCE/WAEC/NABTEB or NECO certificates
- O’level results (with required subjects for course)
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- Passport photographs
- Any other school‑specific documents (e.g. local government certificate, medical certificate)
If second intake, sometimes you also re‑submit some documents or confirm that your first intake application is not active.
3.4 Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Identify the university and course you want. Find out whether they offer a second intake for that course.
- Check admission portal or website or notice to know when the second intake starts.
- Prepare your credentials: UTME result, O‑level results, etc.
- Register for screening / Post‑UTME if needed. Sometimes separate screening for second intake.
- Submit application through the university’s application portal, paying any required fees.
- Wait for selection list or offer letters.
- Once offered, accept the offer and complete any registration formalities.
- Pay fees, get your matriculation number, get your timetable etc.
4. Pros and Cons of Attending a University with Multiple Admission Intakes
Every system has advantages and disadvantages. You need to understand these before deciding.
4.1 Advantages
- More opportunities: If you miss the first intake, second gives you another chance.
- Shorter waiting time: Instead of waiting almost one year, you may start earlier in the second intake.
- Less pressure: You can use the extra time to improve your application, study more, prepare better.
- Flexibility: Allows students who are busy or had issues in the first intake to try in second.
- Reduced gap: If you finish secondary school and need something to do, second intake can reduce idle time.
- Better alignment with personal schedules: If you had delays or family issues, second intake gives a buffer.
4.2 Disadvantages
- Limited spots: Second intake may have fewer seats; competition might be fiercer.
- Higher fees sometimes: For private universities, second intake late charges or different fee structures may apply.
- Delayed graduation: Some departments’ courses or resources may align with first intake; second intake students may miss initial orientation or foundational classes.
- Course availability: Not all courses are available in second intake. Some only open once per year.
- Scheduling challenges: Sometimes lecture times, lab sessions, or allocated faculty may be more focused on first intake, so second intake students may have to adapt.
- Less financial aid or scholarship chances for second intake, because many scholarships are aligned with first batch.
5. Comparisons: Multiple vs Single‑Intake Universities
Here we look at differences between universities that admit once vs those that admit multiple times per year.
| Feature | Single‑Intake Universities | Multiple‑Intake Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Admission | Once per year | Two or more times per year |
| Flexibility for Students | Less flexible (one chance per year) | More flexible (can start in alternate intake) |
| Waiting Period | Longer gap if you miss the intake | Shorter gaps between school sessions |
| Seat Availability | All seats offered in one shot | Seats may be split; second intake may have limited seats |
| Course Offerings | Full list of courses usually open in that one intake | Some courses may not be offered in secondary intake |
| University Calendar | May use one long academic session or trimester system | Often semester system or mid‑year intake system |
| Competition | All applicants compete at once; may be intense | Some competition but sometimes less intense for second intake (if fewer applicants) |
6. How to Choose the Best University with Multiple Intakes for You
Choosing the right university is important. Here are things to consider, especially when multiple intakes are offered.
6.1 Check Course Availability
Find out if your chosen program is open during the second or mid‑year intake. Some courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy may only accept once a year, or have special requirements.
6.2 Compare Cut‑Off Marks
Check the cut‑off marks for both the first and second intakes. Sometimes the second intake cut‑off might be higher or lower. Knowing this helps you aim correctly.
6.3 Fee Structure
Private universities or some state universities may charge different fees depending on intake. Sometimes second intake has additional charges. Check carefully.
6.4 Academic Calendar & Graduating Time
If you start in second intake, you may have to catch up on some courses or miss orientation. This may affect your academic pace. Also check if graduating will take the same time.
6.5 Support Services & Facilities
Libraries, labs, student services, hostel availability might be more limited for second‑intake students. Ask if facilities are fully open at your intake.
6.6 Reputation, Ranking & Accreditation
Ensure the university is accredited, recognized, reputable. Sometimes universities offering multiple intakes may be newer or private; check their accreditation, faculty strength, track record.
6.7 Location & Logistics
Where is the university located? If living far away, what are hostel options? What is the cost of travel? Will facilities be open early or late in the year if your intake is off‑peak?
7. Summary Table: Universities, Intakes, Key Facts
Here is a summary table to help you compare some universities in Nigeria offering multiple admission intakes per year and their key features.
| University | Type (Federal / State / Private) | Approx. Number of Intakes per Year | Remarks: Courses, Cut‑Off, Fees, Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Federal | 2 | Offers first & second semester intake; many courses; may have high competition; fees lower for federal students. |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Federal | 2 | Second semester admissions in some departments; check specific course; usually lower cut‑off in second intake. |
| Lagos State University (LASU) | State | 2 | Regular + mid‑year intake; course offerings may vary; fees set by state; check state resident vs non‑resident fees. |
| American University of Nigeria (AUN) | Private | 2 | Semester‑based; fall and spring intakes; international style programmes; fees comparatively higher. |
| Babcock University | Private | 2 | Some courses have second intake; good facilities; religious affiliation; verify the intake schedule. |
| Rivers State University | State | 2 | Mid‑year admissions sometimes; certain professional courses may only admit first intake; check each faculty. |
| Covenant University | Private | Often 1, occasionally 2 | Mainly first intake; second intake rare; very competitive; check latest announcements. |
8. Conclusion
Universities in Nigeria with multiple admission intakes per year give more chances for students. They let you start school earlier or later, depending on your readiness. There are advantages—more flexibility, less waiting, more opportunity—but also disadvantages—sometimes fewer seats, potential delays, or limited course availability.
To make the best choice:
- Research your university well.
- See which courses are open for second intake.
- Check cut‑off marks.
- Confirm fees, schedule, documents.
If you do all that, you can benefit a lot from the multiple intake system. It can shorten waiting time, reduce stress, and help you get into a university faster. Good luck with your application!
Summary Table Before Conclusion
| Key Aspect | First Intake | Second / Additional Intakes |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Usually start of academic year (after UTME, early session) | Mid‑year, start of second semester or special spring intake |
| Availability of Courses | Most courses open | Some courses may be closed; limited availability |
| Cut‑Off Marks | Set early; many applicants | May change depending on leftover seats and demand |
| Number of Seats | Full quota of seats | May be fewer seats; more competitive in some cases |
| Cost / Fees | Standard fees | Usually same, but private varsity may charge more or differ |
| Scholarships | More options early | Fewer slots usually; consult scholarship office early |
| Orientation / Facilities | Full orientation, early exposure | May miss initial orientation; fewer resources early on |
| Graduation Timing | Full calendar; predictable | Might need to catch up; schedule sometimes shifted |