How Many Times Can I Accept JAMB Admission in 2025/2026? Getting into a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a big step for many students. After writing the JAMB exam and passing, students wait for an admission offer from the school they applied to. But sometimes, you may wonder, can you accept admission from more than one school? What happens if you change your mind? In this article, we will answer these questions and explain everything you need to know about accepting JAMB admission in the 2025/2026 academic session.
What Is JAMB Admission?
Before we talk about how many times you can accept JAMB admission, let’s first understand what JAMB admission is. After you write the JAMB exam and pass, you apply to universities, polytechnics, or other institutions for admission. Based on your JAMB score and your choice of school and course, the school offers you an admission to study there. This is called JAMB admission.
Once you get admission into a school, the next step is to accept the offer. This involves following the school’s instructions to confirm that you will be studying there.
READ ALSO: Steps to Accept or Reject JAMB Admission in 2025/2026
Can I Accept JAMB Admission More Than Once?
Now to the big question: how many times can you accept JAMB admission in 2025/2026?
The simple answer is you can only accept JAMB admission once for each academic session. This means once you accept an admission offer from a particular school, you are committed to that school for that year. If you decide to accept another school’s admission offer after this, you may run into some issues.
Why Can’t I Accept Multiple Admissions?
While it may seem like you can accept offers from different schools, the system doesn’t allow it. Here’s why:
- JAMB Restricts Multiple Acceptance: JAMB keeps track of all the admission offers you get. The system does not allow you to accept more than one admission offer at the same time. If you accept one offer, the system will automatically reject others, and you cannot continue the process with those schools.
- Acceptance of Admission Is Binding: When you accept a JAMB admission offer, it means you are committing to study in that institution. Schools expect you to follow through and begin your studies. Accepting multiple admissions could cause confusion for both the school and the student.
- School Policy: Many institutions have their own rules about accepting admission offers. If you accept an offer from one school and later decide to accept another offer, the first school may cancel your admission offer, and this could cause problems in your academic journey.
What Happens If I Reject or Don’t Accept My Admission?
If you are given JAMB admission and decide not to accept it, there are a few things that can happen:
- You Miss the Chance for That Academic Year: If you don’t accept your admission offer on time, you will lose your place in that school. This means you cannot attend that institution for the 2025/2026 academic session.
- You Can Apply Again: If you miss your JAMB admission in one year, you can apply again the following year. However, you will have to go through the JAMB exam and application process once more.
- You May Be Considered for Supplementary Admission: If you don’t accept the first admission offer, some institutions offer a supplementary admission process, which gives students a second chance. However, this is not guaranteed, and you need to check with the school to see if supplementary admissions are available.
READ ALSO: Schools That Accept Low JAMB Scores in 2025/2026
Can I Change My Mind After Accepting an Admission?
It’s possible to change your mind after accepting an admission, but it is not always straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Change of Institution:
If you accept an offer from one school but later decide you want to attend another school, you can apply for a change of institution. However, this must be done through the JAMB portal, and it is only possible before you start attending the school you have been admitted to.
- To do this, you will need to log into your JAMB profile and choose the option for a change of institution.
- This change can only happen before you have completed registration at the first institution. If you have already begun classes, the change of institution process will no longer be available.
Keep in mind that changing institutions through JAMB may be subject to availability of space in your desired school and meeting their entry requirements.
2. Deferring Your Admission:
Another option is to defer your admission if you decide you’re not ready to start at the institution where you were offered admission. Some schools allow students to defer their admission for a year if they cannot start immediately. This is not the same as accepting a second admission, but it allows you to start the following academic year instead.
To defer your admission:
- You need to apply to the school and provide a reason for the deferral.
- The institution will decide whether to grant your request based on their policies.
Can I Accept JAMB Admission in One Year and Apply for Another in the Following Year?
Yes, you can accept JAMB admission in one year and then apply for JAMB again in the next academic year. This is the most common route for students who want to change schools or courses. If you accept admission into one school but later decide to apply to another institution in the next year, you will have to follow the regular JAMB process for that year.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- JAMB Requirements: You must still meet the minimum JAMB cut-off mark for the course and school you are applying to.
- O’Level Results: Ensure that your O’Level results are still valid and meet the requirements of the school you are applying to.
Steps to Take If You Want to Accept JAMB Admission
If you are ready to accept your JAMB admission, here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the School’s Admission Portal: After you receive your JAMB admission offer, go to the school’s official website or admission portal.
- Follow the School’s Instructions: Each school will provide instructions on how to accept their admission offer. This might involve paying an acceptance fee, submitting documents, or completing an online registration process.
- Confirm Your Acceptance: Once you follow the steps outlined by the school, your admission will be confirmed. Make sure to attend the school’s orientation and other activities to prepare for the start of your academic year.
Conclusion
In 2025/2026, you can only accept JAMB admission once for each academic year. Once you accept an offer from a school, you are expected to begin your studies there. If you decide to apply to another school or change your mind, you must do so by either changing your institution through JAMB before you start studying or by applying again the following year. It is important to read the rules carefully and follow the proper process to avoid mistakes.
Stay informed about the deadlines for accepting your admission and always ensure that you meet all the requirements for the school you want to attend. Good luck!