Prior to anything else, it’s crucial to keep in mind that many federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria allow applicants who choose them as second choices for admission. But you should also be aware that there are currently very few universities doing this.
Regarding federal universities, take note that none of Nigeria’s top federally owned universities accept applications from applicants who didn’t choose them as their first choice candidates. This is a result of universities’ competitive nature. Second-choice applications are not accepted at schools like UNN, UI, UNILAG, UNIBEN, FUTA, FUTO, and UNICAL, among others.
Be aware that not all state colleges will accept applications from students who were admitted as second choices. I personally advise seeking advice from students who have already enrolled at any state universities about which you are unsure.
Finally, as long as you can pay your tuition, practically all private colleges in Nigeria will admit you if you were not their first choice. Also, keep in mind that in order to obtain it, you must also satisfy the admissions requirements of the school.
Federal Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates
Candidates often choose their top two colleges as either their first or second choices as part of the admissions process for federal universities in Nigeria. Unfortunately, not every university will accept a second-choice applicant. The following is a list of some Nigerian federal universities that have previously accepted second-choice applicants:
- Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD)
- Federal University Dutsin-ma, Kastina State (FUDMA)
- Federal University Gashua, Yobe State (FUGASHUA)
- Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State (FUGUS)
- Federal University Kashere, Gombe State (FUK)
- Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA)
- Federal University Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI)
- Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State (FUOTUOKE)
- Federal University Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI)
- Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State (FUBK)
- Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA)
- Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State (FUOYE)
- University of Maiduguri, Borno State (UNIMAID).
It is crucial to keep in mind that admission policies and guidelines can change from year to year, so it is advisable to confirm the most recent admission standards and guidelines of the universities before making a choice.
State Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates
It is significant to remember that every university has its unique admissions regulations and standards and that second-choice candidates may not always be accepted. Nonetheless, several public colleges have a history of admitting applicants who weren’t their first choice:
- Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State (ABSU)
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State (ATBU)
- Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State (ADSU)
- Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot-Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State (AKSU)
- Anambra State University, Uli, Anambra State (ANSU)
- Cross Rivers University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State (CRUTECH)
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
It is crucial to remember that meeting the university’s admission requirements and criteria is crucial and that being a second-choice applicant does not ensure admission. It is advised that you contact the relevant colleges to learn more about their entrance guidelines.
Private Universities That Accept Second Choice Candidates
Private institutions, like public universities, have their own admission standards and procedures, and they may admit second-choice applicants in some years but not others. However, there are a number of private colleges in Nigeria that have been known to admit applicants who were not first-choice:
- American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa
- Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State
- Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
- Modibo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa
- Obong University, Obong, Ntak Akwa-Ibom State
- Paul University, Awka, Anambra State
- Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
- Tansian University, Oba, Anambra State
- University of Mkar, Gboko, Benue State
- Western Delta University, Ogbara, Delta State.
It is significant to remember that passing the university’s admission requirements and criteria is crucial and that even being a second-choice applicant does not guarantee admission. For information on entrance requirements and rules, it is advised that you contact the individual universities.