The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced the opening of its portal for candidates seeking to change their institutions or courses after sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, popularly known as UTME.
The examination body disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, on Friday.
According to the statement, candidates who wish to modify their institution or programme choices can now begin the process through approved Computer-Based Test centres across the country.
“Candidates wishing to change their institution or programme of choice may now proceed to do so by visiting any of the Board’s approved CBT centres,” the statement said.
JAMB also announced that printing of original UTME result slips for the 2026 examination would begin on Monday, May 18, 2026.
“Furthermore, the printing of the original 2026 UTME result slip will commence on Monday, 18th May, 2026,” the board added.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to thousands of candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria.
Every year, many candidates apply for changes of institution or course after the release of UTME results for different reasons, including low scores, changes in admission requirements, or a desire to seek admission into schools with less competition.
Some candidates also change courses after discovering that their UTME scores may not meet the cut-off marks for their preferred programmes, especially highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy and Engineering.
JAMB advised candidates to carry out the process only at accredited CBT centres to avoid mistakes and fraud.
The board warned that using unauthorised centres or individuals could lead to errors in candidates’ records and affect their admission process.
Over the years, JAMB has repeatedly cautioned candidates against dealing with cybercafés, roadside agents and fraudsters who claim to offer admission assistance or unofficial services.
The board stressed that approved CBT centres remain the only recognised locations for official corrections and data processing.
The UTME is one of the most important examinations for students seeking admission into higher institutions in Nigeria.
Conducted annually by JAMB, the examination determines eligibility for admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.
Candidates are usually tested in four subjects related to their intended courses of study.
In recent years, JAMB has introduced several reforms aimed at improving transparency, reducing examination malpractice and making the admission process more efficient.
The board’s move to digitise registration, admission processing and result checking has also reduced dependence on paper-based procedures.
The introduction of CBT examinations replaced the former paper-and-pencil method and was designed to improve the credibility and speed of the examination process.
Despite these reforms, admission into Nigerian higher institutions remains highly competitive because of the large number of candidates seeking limited spaces every year.
According to education stakeholders, many universities in Nigeria receive applications far beyond their admission capacities.
As a result, candidates who score below the required cut-off marks often seek alternatives by changing institutions or switching to courses with lower admission competition.
Some institutions also release additional admission guidelines after UTME results are announced, leading candidates to reconsider their earlier choices.
The printing of original result slips, which JAMB said would begin on Monday, is also an important stage in the admission process.
Unlike the online notification result first released after the examination, the original result slip contains detailed candidate information, including passport photograph, examination details and official authentication by JAMB.
Candidates are often required to submit the original result slip during admission screening exercises, clearance and registration processes in higher institutions.
Many institutions also request the original result slip as part of their post-UTME screening requirements.
The latest announcement comes at a time when many candidates and parents are anxiously waiting for the next stages of the 2026 admission process.
Across the country, candidates have already started making decisions about possible changes based on their UTME scores and the admission policies of their preferred institutions.
Some parents also welcomed the opening of the correction portal, saying it gives candidates another opportunity to make better decisions about their future.
A parent in Lagos, Mrs Kemi Adeyemi, said many students often make rushed decisions during UTME registration and later realise they need adjustments.
“At least now candidates can think properly and make better choices after seeing their scores,” she said.
Students also expressed excitement over the development, especially those hoping to improve their admission chances by changing institutions.
For many candidates, gaining admission into a higher institution remains a major goal because of the increasing competition for limited university spaces in Nigeria.
Reports over the years have shown that millions of candidates sit for the UTME annually, while only a fraction eventually secure admission into tertiary institutions.
This situation has continued to put pressure on both students and parents.
JAMB has consistently said its reforms are aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in the admission process.
The board also urged candidates to follow official procedures and avoid panic or misinformation circulating online.
As the admission season gradually begins, many candidates are expected to visit accredited CBT centres in the coming days to process changes to their institutions and courses.