Federal, State and Private Universities that Accept Second Choice in Nigeria: You will agree with me that most of the universities in Nigeria don’t accept second choice candidates for admission. This is a tradition that most popular and prestigious universities do nowadays.

In many opinion, they do this to make sure that only the best students are given admission each year. Another reason why many institutions in Nigeria don’t admit second choice candidates is because, they want to look more prestigious to the public. By not accepting second choice candidates, everyone will think that the university is very competitive and better than other institutions in Nigeria.

Consequent upon this, many institutions assumes that student that does not make them a first choice during JAMB registration is not ready for admission.

Well, the good news is that, there are many other institutions in Nigeria that actually accept second choice candidates for admission. But these institutions are not really popular in Nigeria. So, if you have been searching for a good school to make your first or second choice of institution during JAMB registration, below are the federal, state and private universities that accept second choice in Nigeria.

Federal, State and Private Schools that Accept Second Choice Admission 2024/2025

First and foremost, it is important to note that there are many federal, state and private universities in Nigeria that accepts candidates that make them second choice for admission. Nevertheless you must also keep in mind that there are very few universities that does this currently.

For federal universities, note that all the top federal government owned universities in Nigeria does not accept second choice admission. This is because of the competitive nature of the universities. Schools like UNN, UI, UNILAG, UNIBEN, FUTA, FUTO, UNICAL etc does not accept second choice.

For state university, note that not all state universities accept second choice admission too. If there is any state university you are not sure about i personally recommend you ask from students who are in the school already for guidance.

Lastly, almost all the private universities in Nigeria accept second choice admission as long as you can pay their school fees. Aside from that, note that you also have to meet up with the school’s requirements for admission for you to gain it.

Having said all these, i will go ahead to give you a list of federal, state and private universities that currently accepts second choice admission in 2024. 

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Federal Universities that Accepts Second Choice Candidates in 2024 

1. Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD)
2. Federal University Dutsin-ma, Kastina State (FUDMA)
3. Federal University Gashua, Yobe State (FUGASHUA)
4. Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State (FUGUS)
5. Federal University Kashere, Gombe State (FUK)
6. Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
7. Federal University Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
8. Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State (FUOTUOKE)
9. Federal University Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI)
10. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State (FUBK)
11. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
12. Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State (FUOYE)
13. University of Maiduguri, Borno State (UNIMAID)

State Universities That Accepts Second Choice Candidates in 2024 

1. Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State (ABSU)
2. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State (ATBU)
3. Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State (ADSU)
4. Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot-Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State (AKSU)
5. Anambra State University, Uli, Anambra State (ANSU)
6. Cross Rivers University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State (CRUTECH)
7. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

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Private universities that accepts second choice candidates

Below are some of the known private universities that accept second choice candidates when offering admission in Nigeria:

1. American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa
2. Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State
3. Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
4. Modibo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa
5. Obong University, Obong, Ntak Akwa-Ibom State
6. Paul University, Awka, Anambra State
7. Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
8. Tansian University, Oba, Anambra State
9. University of Mkar, Gboko, Benue State
10. Western Delta University, Ogbara, Delta State

It is important to note that; the fact that these institutions allows second choice candidates does not mean that they are going to consider second choice candidates the same way they consider their first choice candidates.

In most of the universities above, second choice candidates have slimmer chance of gaining admission than first choice candidates. So, you should carry this at the back of your mind.

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List of universities that doesn’t accept second choice candidates for admission

Now, if you are thinking of making any university in Nigeria your second choice of institution, it is advisable to take away the some universities out of your mind. The institutions I am going to share with you below are those that does no even consider second choice candidates at all.

1. University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State (UNILORIN)
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State (UNN)
3. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
4. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State (FUNAAB)
5. University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State (UNIJOS)
6. Ambrose Ali University (AAU)
7. University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos State (UNILAG)
8. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State (ABU)
9. University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State (UI)
10. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State (UNIZIK)
11. University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State (UNICAL)
12. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State (OAU)
13. Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State (FUTA)

From the above, you will notice that most of the universities that does not accept second choice candidates are mostly the top schools in Nigeria. Well, the list above is not even complete. There are many other universities in Nigeria that do not accept second choice candidates.

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Other Known Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates 2024

Here are other popular private and state universities that has now started accepting second choice candidates for admission:

1. Kwara State University (KWASU): KWASU is a state-owned university located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Since its founding in 2009, it has grown to become one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. The university offers numerous programs in a variety of academic fields, such as the arts, sciences, engineering, and management. There’s something for everyone.

Whether you are a first- or second-choice applicant, KWASU is a superb university with a wealth of options waiting for you. The cutoff mark at Kwara State University, where second-choice applicants are accepted, is 160. However, even though KWASU allows second-choice applicants, it’s crucial to approach your application with sincerity and a real interest in the school. Treat it as the university you would be proud to attend, not as a fallback.

2. Novena University: In Delta State, Nigeria, Novena University is a private Christian university. Novena University was founded in response to the demand for new universities in the nation to offer its students a top-notch education. The Nigerian University Commission launched the university, which was founded as a private institution, in 2005.

It’s not too easy to get into this university. Students are admitted to the university’s several degree programs that span the social sciences, humanities, and more. Novena is one of many universities that accepts applicants regardless of their first or second preferences. However, first-choice applicants to the university are given priority over second-choice applicants when considering admission.

3. Madonna University: Nigeria’s first Catholic university is Madonna University. The National Universities Commission accredited it. There are three campuses of Madonna University Nigeria, one each in Akpugo, Enugu, Elele, Rivers, and Okija in Anambra. Different Faculties and Departments are found on the campuses.

Your intellectual, spiritual, and personal development is supported by the transformative liberal arts education provided by Madonna University. One of the universities in Nigeria that accepts applicants regardless of their first or second preferences is this university. Even individuals who did not select Madonna as their top option might apply to the university provided they received a JAMB UTME score of up to 160.

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Conclusion

Okay! this is where I am going to stop for now. Above is a list of some of the federal, state and private universities in Nigeria that accept second choice candidates for admission. For now, this is just the once I have been able to confirm. More research is still going to be conducted and this list will be updated with more universities very soon.

By way of conclusion, i must let you know that if you make the mistake of making a university that does not accept second choice candidates your second choice, you will definitely not be offered admission into that institution. So, it will be wise to go through the list above very carefully before making any institution you second choice. Hope this was helpful?

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.