1. What “Second Choice” Means in JAMB Registration
When you register for UTME with JAMB, you are asked to select:
- A First Choice institution;
- A Second Choice institution;
- Sometimes more than two choices (depending on registration rules).
Your First Choice is the university (or polytechnic/college) that you prefer most. The Second Choice is your backup or alternative, in case your first choice does not admit you.
Putting a school as Second Choice means:
- If you do not get admitted into your First Choice, there is a chance you might get admitted into your Second Choice (if that Second Choice accepts second‑choice candidates).
- Some universities do not accept second choice at all: they require you to have chosen them as First Choice.
- Acceptance depends also on your JAMB score, Post‑UTME (screening), O’Level grades, cut‑off mark, and whether the university has policies to accept second choice.
LSI / related terms: backup institution, alternative choice, school priority in JAMB, first vs second choice acceptance.
2. Why the First vs Second Choice Matters in University Admission
2.1 Because of University Policies
- Some universities clearly have policies stating they only consider candidates who selected them as First Choice. They may ignore those who picked them as Second Choice, even if the score is high.
- Other universities are more flexible and accept Second Choice candidates, sometimes especially for less competitive programmes or when First Choice candidates are below expected numbers.
2.2 Because of Cut‑Off Marks & Competition
- Competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy etc.) often get many high‑scoring First Choice applicants. There is less room for second choice admissions there.
- Less competitive courses or newer universities might have open slots and allow second choice candidates if they meet required cut‑offs.
2.3 Because of Technical & Administrative Considerations
- JAMB’s CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System) shows First and Second Choice, and some schools filter by whether candidate’s institution status is “First Choice” for them.
- Post‑UTME screening forms might demand that you selected the school as First Choice before you buy the screening form. If you did not, they may reject you or require change of institution.
- Schools that do accept second choice often make this known in admission notices or guidelines.
3. Criteria Schools Use to Accept or Reject Second Choice Applicants
When a university considers a candidate who picked them as Second Choice, they often check:
- JAMB UTME Score / Cut‑Off Mark
If the candidate’s UTME score meets or exceeds the school’s UTME cut‑off for that course, they may accept second choice. If not, they may reject regardless of first or second status. - Post‑UTME / Screening Performance
If the school has a screening or Post‑UTME test, performance there is crucial. A strong Post‑UTME result can sometimes offset the disadvantage of being second choice. - O’Level (WAEC / NECO) Results
Good grades in required subjects; sometimes requirement is stricter for second choice candidates. - Subject Combination
If your subject combination matches the course requirement. Even a second choice candidate will be disqualified if subject combination is wrong. - Quota / Capacity
Some schools have quotas for state indigenes, departmental quotas. If First Choice candidates are enough, there might be little or no place for second choice. - Institutional Policy
Whether the university policy allows admission of second choice or not. Some schools explicitly accept, some explicitly reject. - Change of Institution / Course
Sometimes candidates are told to change institution/course via JAMB portal if they did not choose that school first.
4. List of Universities that Accept Second Choice in JAMB 2025
Below are universities (federal, state, private) known to accept second choice candidates in JAMB, for the 2025 admission session. Policies can change, so always confirm with the admission office of the university.
4.1 Federal Universities Accepting Second Choice
Universities under this category that do accept second choice (for many programmes, especially less competitive ones):
| Federal University | State | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Federal University, Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE) | Ekiti | Known to accept second choice for some courses. ₦ |
| Federal University, Lokoja | Kogi | Some slots open for second choice applicants. ₦ |
| Federal University Dutse | Jigawa | accepts second choice under certain conditions. ₦ |
| Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | Kebbi | second choice considered for some programmes. ₦ |
| Federal University Gashua | Yobe | less competitive; more flexibility. ₦ |
| Federal University Kashere | Gombe | accepts second choice in some departments. ₦ |
| Federal University Otuoke | Bayelsa | Known to accept second choice. ₦ |
| Federal University Wukari | Taraba | Some programmes open to second choice. ₦ |
| University of Maiduguri | Borno | Accepts second choice in certain courses. ₦ |
Note: “₦” indicates that policy depends on cut‑off, screening, and whether the department has capacity.
4.2 State Universities Accepting Second Choice
| State University | State | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu | Abia | Accepts second choice for certain courses. (Waec Africa) |
| Adamawa State University, Mubi | Adamawa | Accepts second choice in some programmes. (Waec Africa) |
| Anambra State University, Uli | Anambra | Accepts second choice applicants. (Just School News) |
| Akwa Ibom State University | Akwa Ibom | Has been listed among second choice‑friendly schools. (Just School News) |
| Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar | Cross River | Some Second Choice slots. (Micplustech) |
| Others (State universities in less competitive states) | Varied | Some state universities with lower competition accept second choice. |
4.3 Private Universities Accepting Second Choice
Many private universities are more flexible and more likely to accept second choice candidates. Here are several known:
| Private University | State | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Gregory University, Uturu | Abia | Accepts second choice for many programmes. |
| Novena University, Ogume | Delta | Listed among universities that accept second choice. |
| Paul University, Awka | Anambra | Accepts second choice applicants. |
| Tansian University, Oba | Anambra | Known to accept second choice. |
| Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene | Akwa Ibom | Accepts second choice. |
| Obong University, Obong, Akwa Ibom | Akwa Ibom | Among private schools allowing second choice. |
| Western Delta University, Oghara | Delta | Listed. |
| University of Mkar, Gboko | Benue | Accepts second choice. |
| Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo | Delta | Known to accept second choice. |
5. How to Know If Your Institution Will Accept Second Choice
Here are steps to verify whether a university will accept your application if you choose it as your Second Choice:
- Visit Official University Website / Admission Guidelines
Universities often publish Post‑UTME or admission guidelines that state whether they accept candidates who selected them as second choice. - Check JAMB’s CAPS Portal Information
Sometimes during admissions, JAMB updates policies; CAPS may show which institutions accept second choice under particular programmes. - Contact the Admission Office Directly
Call, email or visit the admission office of the university. Ask: “If I chose your school as second choice, will I be eligible for screening / Post‑UTME?” - Look at Past Admission Lists & Cut‑offs
Sometimes you can see from past years whether some admitted students had them as second choice. Social media, forums, groups may help. - Read Admission Brochures / Post‑UTME Forms
The screening or Post‑UTME registration form might explicitly say “First Choice Only” or “First and Second Choice considered.”
6. How to Use Your Second Choice Smartly — Strategy & Best Practices
Putting a second choice is not just about backup; it must be strategic. Here are tips:
- Choose a Second Choice with Lower Competition
If your first choice is highly competitive, pick a second choice that usually has lower cut‑offs or fewer applicants. - Ensure You Meet All Requirements for Both Choices
Subject combination, O’Level credits, UTME score etc. If you meet them for both, you improve chances. - Do Not Neglect First Choice
Even though you have a second choice, aim high with your first choice: prepare well, aim for high UTME, good Post‑UTME. - Monitor Announcements for Screening and Cut-Offs
Some universities may adjust cut‑off marks; if you see they accept second choice late announcement, apply Post‑UTME in time. - Be Ready to Change Institution or Course If Needed
If you find your second choice school does not accept you or is stricter, you may consider change of institution via JAMB portal (if allowed and within deadline). - Backup Options are Important
Always have multiple second choices or consider private schools, less competitive public schools, or distance learning options.
7. Pros and Cons of Putting a University as Second Choice
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gives you backup options if First Choice doesn’t work out | Some universities do not accept second choice at all → you lose out if you picked them as second and they ignore second choice |
| May reduce stress: you have another school you like | Being second choice may reduce priority in screening or Post‑UTME process |
| If your UTME / Post‑UTME scores are high, sometimes second choice candidates get offers | If policy says first choice only, then all effort for second choice is wasted |
| Gives chance of admission into school you may not get as first choice | Fees, form price, screening cost for multiple schools increase expense |
8. Comparison: First Choice vs Second Choice in Terms of Chances & Requirements
| Factor | First Choice | Second Choice |
|---|---|---|
| University’s priority for offer | Highest – you are their priority candidate | Lower – only considered if first choice fails or if policy allows second choice |
| Chances of admission (all else equal) | Higher | Lower or moderate depending on competition & policy |
| Screening / Post‑UTME considerations | Full eligibility if you meet requirements | Eligibility depends on whether school policy allows second choice; you must meet requirements strictly |
| Cost & effort | You usually only focus on first choice screening forms, etc. | You may need to apply for Screening / Post‑UTME for second choice too → extra cost & effort |
| Risk of rejection | Lower if you meet requirements | Higher risk, especially for competitive courses or universities with strict policy |
9. Examples / Case Studies of Students Who Got Admission via Second Choice
Here are hypothetical but realistic stories of students using second choice successfully, to illustrate.
Example A: Aisha’s Success with Second Choice
- Aisha put University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) as her first choice, but it’s very competitive. Her UTME score is good, but not enough for top courses.
- She put Federal University, Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE) as her second choice. She checked and found FUOYE accepts second choice for her course (Mass Communication). She meets the subject combination and WAEC credits.
- After UTME, she applied Post‑UTME screening at FUOYE. She scored well. Because there were slightly fewer First Choice applicants for her course, she was offered admission via her Second Choice.
Example B: John’s Backup Plan
- John has UTME score not high enough for his First Choice: University of Lagos for Accounting.
- He put Abia State University as Second Choice. He confirmed via website that ABSU accepts second choice candidates for his course.
- He buys ABSU’s Post‑UTME screening form, writes well. He is offered admission at ABSU via his Second Choice.
Example C: Private University Route
- Mary could not get into federal or state university via First Choice. She picks Gregory University as her first choice (higher fees) and Obong University as her second choice. Both accept second choice applications.
- After UTME and screening, Obong offers her a spot via second choice. She chooses to accept and registers.
10. Summary Table: Universities, Conditions, Strengths & Weaknesses
Here is a handy table summarizing several universities that accept Second Choice, what conditions apply, and what their strengths and possible drawbacks are.
| University | Type (Federal / State / Private) | Accepts Second Choice? | Key Conditions (UTME cut‑off, screening etc.) | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal University, Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE) | Federal | Yes | Must meet cut‑off, subject combination, screen well | Federal school, good reputation, many programmes | Some courses still very competitive; fees for screening forms etc. |
| Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | Federal | Yes | Good UTME, Post‑UTME, screening; limited slots may affect second choice | Less crowded; potential easier competition vs top unis | Infrastructure maybe less developed; fewer popular courses |
| Abia State University (ABSU) | State | Yes | Screening, good O’Level, possibly first & second choice consideration | Affordable for state students; less pressure vs top federal schools | May have fewer facilities; may charge higher state fees for non‑indigenes |
| Gregory University | Private | Yes | Higher school fees; internal screening; subject matching | More flexible admission; often better facilities; smaller class size | Costly; may lack some programmes; less prestigious for some employers (varies) |
| Novena University | Private | Yes | screening and fees; second choice considered for many courses | Private environment; easier for some with lower competition | Costs; sometimes stricter payment schedules; equipment/facilities may vary |
Conclusion
Choosing a university as your second choice in JAMB can be smart — it gives you a safety net. But it only works if the university accepts second choice candidates, and you meet all other requirements (UTME, Post‑UTME, O’Level, subject combination, etc.).
To use your second choice well in 2025:
- Always verify whether your second‑choice school accepts second choice applicants.
- Meet all academic requirements for both first and second choices.
- Prepare well for Post‑UTME screening or screening tests.
- Be strategic: pick a realistic second choice that you can gain admission into.
- Have backups (private, state, less competitive schools), and be proactive during change of institution/course if needed.
With good planning, second choice can turn into a successful admission path. Best of luck with your application!
