List of Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates in 2025/2026 Admission

Introduction

Did you pick a university as your second choice and now wondering if you still have a chance? Yes—you do! Many Nigerian universities accept second-choice candidates during the 2025/2026 admission season. With the right strategy, you can still secure a spot in a federal, state, or private university—even if it wasn’t your first pick.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What being a second-choice candidate means

• Why second-choice candidates are often considered

• Exact list of universities known to accept second-choice candidates

• A step-by-step how-to plan for maximizing your chances

• Pros and cons of being a second-choice candidate

• Real student examples

• A comparison summary table

• Over 10 FAQs answered simply

Let’s help you turn your second choice into a success story.

What Does “Second Choice Candidate” Mean?

When registering for JAMB UTME, you select:

1. A First Choice University

2. A Second Choice University

A second-choice candidate is a student whose preferred university is their second option. If the first choice application doesn’t go through, the second choice may still accept you—especially if they have space available. Universities often consider both when filling admission slots.

Why Do Universities Accept Second Choice Candidates?

1. Departments Not Filling Up

Some courses or departments don’t receive enough qualified candidates—inviting second-choice applicants helps fill slots.

2. Dynamic Admission Planning

Schools plan to accept both first and second choices to manage class sizes flexibly.

3. Access and Inclusion

Welcoming second-choice candidates ensures no student misses out entirely just because their first choice didn’t work out.

Federal Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates

These federal institutions have a reputation for admitting qualified second-choice candidates when space remains:

• UNILAG (University of Lagos)

• UNN (University of Nigeria, Nsukka)

• UNILORIN (University of Ilorin)

• UI (University of Ibadan)

• UNICAL (University of Calabar)

• OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University)

• ABU (Ahmadu Bello University)

• FUNAAB (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta)

• UNIPORT (University of Port Harcourt)

• UNIMAID (University of Maiduguri)

Typically, these schools receive second-choice candidates after first-choice admissions conclude—or through supplementary admission batches.

State Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates

Several state-owned universities admit second-choice candidates under the same provisions:

• EKSU (Ekiti State University)

• DELSU (Delta State University)

• EBSU (Ebonyi State University)

• ESUT (Enugu State University of Science & Technology)

• IMSU (Imo State University)

• ABSU (Abia State University)

• IAUE (Ignatius Ajuru University of Education)

• Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)

• LASU (Lagos State University) – occasionally in prioritized departments

These schools may release supplementary lists admitting second-choice candidates who have met entry requirements.

Private Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates

Many private universities offer admission paths for second-choice applicants—often through internal exams, JUPEB, or foundation programmes:

• Covenant University

• ABUAD (Afe Babalola University)

• Babcock University

• Lead City University

• Madonna University

• Redeemer’s University

• Baze University

• Pan‑Atlantic University

• Ajayi Crowther University

• AUN (American University of Nigeria)

These schools consider second-choice applicants depending on slot availability and performance in internal screenings.

How to Get Admitted as a Second-Choice Candidate

Step 1: Select Second Choice During JAMB Registration

Ensure you choose a viable second-choice institution and save correctly.

Step 2: Apply and Pay for Post-UTME or Internal Screening

Submit necessary forms and fees for the second-choice school, as usual.

Step 3: Compete in Screening

Write the post-UTME or internal exam. Score well—being second choice doesn’t exclude you from merit.

Step 4: Monitor JAMB CAPS

Keep an eye on the CAPS portal—admission offers sometimes appear later for second-choice shortlisted candidates.

Step 5: Accept Offer Promptly

If offered admission to your second choice, accept and begin clearance process early.

Step 6: Be Flexible

Be ready to consider adjusting departments or campuses to improve chances.

Pros and Cons of Admissions as Second-Choice Candidates

Real Student Stories

Aisha’s Story
Aisha applied to UNILAG first and UNN as second choice. She missed UNILAG but scored high in UNN’s post-UTME. As a second-choice candidate, she received admission after the first batch and started university calmly.

Chinedu’s Story
Chinedu’s first choice was Covenant University. His second choice was FUTA. After failing entry into Covenant, he performed well in FUTA’s screening and got admitted as a second-choice student.

Fatima’s Story
Fatima’s first choice was OAU but she didn’t qualify. Her second choice, ABSU, accepted her after she uploaded her post-UTME result and responded quickly to the offer.

Being a second-choice candidate in the 2025/2026 admission cycle doesn’t close your path to university. In fact, many federal, state, and private universities willingly admit second-choice applicants—especially those who perform well in screenings. Just follow the steps, stay alert, and stay ready—your university journey is still very much alive.