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Introduction

Many Nigerian students often ask: “Can I transfer from one university to another in Nigeria?” The answer is yes. University transfer admission is possible, but not all institutions allow it, and the process can be very competitive.

If you are not satisfied with your current university — maybe because of strike actions, poor academic environment, lack of facilities, or because you gained admission abroad and want to return — you may consider transfer admission in Nigerian universities.

This guide will explain everything about transfer admissions:

• The meaning of university transfer admission.
• Nigerian universities that accept transfer students.
• The requirements, processes, pros and cons.
• A summary table for quick review.
• Over 10 FAQs answered clearly.

Let’s dive in!

What is Transfer Admission in Nigerian Universities?

Transfer admission means moving from your current university to continue your studies in another university without starting all over again.

For example:

• If you studied Law in UNIBEN (100 level) but want to continue your studies in UNILAG (200 level), you will apply for a transfer admission.
• Instead of writing JAMB UTME again, the university considers your existing results and transcript.

This option is mostly used by:

• Students who want to move closer to home.
• Students leaving universities with constant strikes.
• Students who want better opportunities in more prestigious universities.
• Nigerians returning from foreign universities and seeking continuation.

Types of Transfer Admissions in Nigeria

1. Intra-University Transfer
   • Moving from one department or faculty to another within the same university.
   • Example: A student in Mechanical Engineering UNILAG transferring to Civil Engineering UNILAG.
2. Inter-University Transfer
   • Moving from one Nigerian university to another.
   • Example: From UNIBEN to UNN.
3. Foreign Transfer Admission
   • Nigerians studying abroad (e.g., UK, USA, Ghana, Ukraine, etc.) can apply to continue in a Nigerian university.
   • Many universities encourage this, especially due to students returning from crisis-prone countries.

General Requirements for Transfer Admission in Nigeria

Each university has its own rules, but generally, you must have:

1. Good Academic Standing – Minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.0 for competitive courses (Law, Medicine, Engineering) or 2.5/5.0 for less competitive courses.
2. Official Transcript – Sent directly from your current university to the new one.
3. O’Level Results – Minimum 5 credits including English and Mathematics.
4. Valid Reasons for Transfer – Some schools ask for a written statement explaining why you want to transfer.
5. Level Restrictions – Many schools only accept transfer students into 200 level or 300 level.
6. No Final-Year Transfers – You cannot transfer into 400L or 500L in most universities.

Step-by-Step Process for Transfer Admission

1. Research Universities That Accept Transfers – Not all schools allow it. (See list below).
2. Check Eligibility – Ensure your CGPA meets the requirement.
3. Get Transcript – Request from your current university.
4. Apply to New University – Fill the transfer form online or at the admission office.
5. Submit Documents – Transcript, O’level, JAMB admission letter, etc.
6. Wait for Screening – University senate must approve your request.
7. Receive Admission Letter – If accepted, you will start at 200/300 level.
8. Pay Acceptance Fee – Secure your new admission.

Nigerian Universities That Accept Transfer Admission Students

Below is a list of popular Nigerian universities that accept transfer admission:

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Accepts both local and foreign transfers.
• Requires at least 3.5 CGPA for most courses.
• Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law are very competitive.

2. University of Ibadan (UI)

• Allows transfer into 200 level only.
• Candidates must have strong CGPA (3.5/5.0).
• Medicine, Dentistry, and Law rarely accept transfers.

3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Accepts inter-university transfers.
• Medical students rarely get approval.
• Screening is done strictly at faculty level.

4. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• Transfers are possible into 200L or 300L.
• Requires strong academic records.
• Foreign returnee students are usually considered.

5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)

• Accepts transfer students from both Nigerian and foreign institutions.
• Priority given to students affected by crises (like insecurity or strikes).

6. University of Benin (UNIBEN)

• Allows inter-university transfers.
• Candidates must have direct O’level requirements for chosen course.

7. Lagos State University (LASU)

• Offers transfers into some faculties.
• Strict screening process.
• Medicine and Law rarely accept new transfers.

8. Covenant University (Private)

• Accepts transfer students into most programs.
• Requires transcripts, O’level, and personal statement.
• Faith-based lifestyle rules must be followed.

9. Babcock University (Private)

• Popular among students returning from abroad.
• Easier acceptance compared to federal universities.

10. Bowen University (Private)

• Accepts transfers into 200L and 300L.
• Flexible for foreign-trained Nigerians.

Advantages of Transfer Admission

1. Continue Education Without Restarting – Saves time compared to starting with JAMB again.
2. Opportunity to Join Better Universities – Especially if your current school lacks facilities.
3. Safer and More Stable Academic Calendar – Avoid schools with constant strikes.
4. Chance for Foreign Returnees – Students returning from abroad can continue smoothly.

Disadvantages of Transfer Admission

1. Limited Slots – Only a few students are admitted per session.
2. Very Competitive – Especially for top courses like Medicine and Law.
3. Stressful Process – Collecting transcripts can take months.
4. Not All Schools Accept Transfers – Some universities have closed policies.
5. Extra Costs – Payment of transcript fee, transfer fee, acceptance fee, etc.

Things to Consider Before Applying for Transfer Admission

1. Check If Your Course is Available – Some schools don’t allow transfer into professional programs.
2. Be Sure of Your Reasons – Don’t transfer on impulse; consider future implications.
3. Prepare Financially – Transcript fees and acceptance fees can be expensive.
4. Time Factor – The process may delay your academic calendar.
5. University Policy – Confirm that the new school accepts transfers before applying.

Practical Example of Transfer Admission

• Case 1: Local Transfer
  Chinedu was studying Electrical Engineering at UNN but wanted to move closer to Lagos. He applied for a transfer to UNILAG with his 3.8 CGPA and was admitted into 200 level.
• Case 2: Foreign Transfer
  Amina was studying Nursing in Ukraine but had to return due to war. She applied to ABU Zaria with her transcript and was accepted into 300 level Nursing.

Comparison Table – Normal Admission vs Transfer Admission

Summary Table of Universities Accepting Transfer Students

Conclusion

University transfer admission in Nigeria is a real possibility for students who want to change schools without starting from scratch. However, it is competitive, stressful, and not available in every institution.

From our guide, we saw that universities like UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU, ABU, UNIBEN, LASU, Covenant, Babcock, and Bowen all accept transfer students under specific conditions.

If you are considering a transfer, make sure you:

• Maintain a strong CGPA.
• Prepare your transcript early.
• Apply only to universities that accept transfers.
• Be realistic about competitive courses like Medicine and Law.

With the right preparation and patience, you can successfully secure a transfer admission and continue your academic journey in a better university.