Navigating Your Academic Path: A Complete Guide to JAMB Change of Course or Institution
The journey to university admission can have unexpected turns. Perhaps your UTME score wasn’t what you hoped for, your career aspirations have shifted, or you simply made a mistake during your initial registration. Whatever the reason, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides a crucial lifeline: the Change of Course or Institution process. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about correcting your JAMB data for the 2025 academic year and beyond.
Why You Might Need to Make a Change
Making a change on the JAMB portal is a strategic move to secure your admission. Here are the most common reasons candidates use this service:
- Low UTME Score: If your score is below the cut-off mark for your first-choice institution or a specific, highly competitive course, changing to a less competitive program or another institution with a lower cut-off can dramatically improve your chances.
- Change in Career Goals: Your interests may evolve after taking the UTME. This process allows you to align your academic choice with a new passion or a different career path.
- Registration Errors: Simple mistakes happen. You might have accidentally chosen the wrong course, institution, or even misspelled your name during the initial registration.
- Subject Combination Issues: If you discover that your O’Level or UTME subject combination doesn’t match the requirements of your chosen course, you can correct it to a programme where you are eligible.
What You Can Change on the JAMB Portal
The JAMB data correction portal allows you to correct several key pieces of information, not just your course and institution. You can also change your:
- Name: If there are any errors in your surname, first name, or middle name.
- Date of Birth: To correct any inaccuracies.
- Gender: If the wrong gender was selected during registration.
- State/LGA of Origin: To reflect your correct state and local government.
- Passport Photograph: To update a new or clearer passport photo.
However, the most common and significant change is to your course and institution.
How to Correct Your JAMB Data (A 2025 Guide)
The process for a change of course or institution is straightforward and must be done at an accredited JAMB CBT center. The official fee for this service is ₦2,500. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
- Visit the JAMB Portal: Go to the official JAMB e-Facility portal and log in with your email address and password. If you don’t have a profile yet, you must create one.
- Select the Service: On your dashboard, navigate to the sidebar menu and select “Correction of Data.” From the options that appear, choose “Course/Institution.”
- Generate a Transaction ID: The system will automatically generate a unique Transaction ID for your request. Note this ID, as it is crucial for all future references.
- Make Your Payment: You can pay the ₦2,500 fee directly on the portal using your debit card or print an invoice to pay at an approved bank.
- Enter Your Details: After a successful payment, you will be prompted to enter your Year of Exam and your JAMB Registration Number.
- Select New Choices: You can now select your new preferred course and institution from the available options. Ensure that your O’Level and UTME subject combinations align with the requirements of your new choices.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the new details before clicking “Submit” to complete your application.
Once you submit your request, JAMB will process the change, and if approved, your details will be updated on the portal.
What If You Registered in 2024 or Earlier?
The process for candidates who registered in 2024 or earlier remains largely the same. You will still follow the steps outlined above. JAMB’s data correction portal is designed to accommodate previous years’ candidates who may still be seeking admission or need to correct information. However, you should note that options may be limited depending on whether the admission process for your chosen year has been finalized.
Important Warnings to Keep in Mind
- Check Requirements First: Before you make any changes, always verify that your UTME score and subject combination meet the requirements for the new course and institution. Not all combinations are accepted for all programmes.
- Avoid Scams: Only make payments and corrections through the official JAMB e-Facility portal or a JAMB-accredited CBT center. Never provide your details to unverified third parties who promise to make the changes for you.
- Be Mindful of Deadlines: While the portal may be open, you must complete your changes before your chosen institution closes its Post-UTME or Direct Entry screening registration. The official closing date for the 2025/2026 academic session for public universities is October 31, 2025, and November 30, 2025, for private universities.
- One-Time Opportunity: The change of course and institution is a one-time opportunity. You cannot make a second change after the first one is completed and submitted.
By following this guide, you can successfully navigate the JAMB change of course and institution process and improve your chances of securing a spot in your desired academic programme.
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