Can I Be Offered Admission by a School I Didn’t Choose in JAMB?

Yes, you can be offered admission by a school you didn’t choose in JAMB.

This situation often arises under specific circumstances, such as when a school has available slots or when JAMB reassigns candidates to other institutions based on their scores, availability of programs, or other criteria. While it’s not the traditional route many students expect, it is a real possibility and can sometimes be a favorable option for candidates seeking admission.

How It Happens

Typically, after taking the JAMB exam, candidates expect to be offered admission by the institutions they selected during their JAMB registration. However, in certain cases, JAMB collaborates with schools to fill available admission spots. If your preferred institution does not offer you admission, JAMB may suggest your details to other institutions that are in need of students, and they may decide to offer you a place.

Here are a few reasons why you might get an offer from a school you didn’t choose:

1. Low Admission Quota in Your Preferred School:

When your first-choice institution has limited space or has already filled its quota, it might not be able to offer you admission, even if you meet the required cut-off mark. In such situations, JAMB might direct your admission file to another school that has space.

2. Higher Competition for Your Course:

If the course you applied for is highly competitive, like medicine or law, and there are limited spots available, you might not be admitted into your chosen school. In that case, another institution that offers a related course or a less competitive course might offer you admission.

3. Openings in Less Popular Schools:

Some schools may have less competition and are looking for students to fill their quotas. These schools often admit candidates who did not initially choose them but are open to taking up offers.

4. Change of Institution by JAMB:

Sometimes, JAMB may decide to reassign candidates to other institutions to balance admissions across schools, especially when some schools are oversubscribed, while others still have slots. This reassignment is done based on several factors, including your JAMB score, course of interest, and the school’s requirements.

What Should You Do If Offered Admission by a Different School?

If you find that a school you didn’t choose is offering you admission, you have two choices: accept or reject the offer. Here’s how to navigate this process:

• Check Your JAMB CAPS Portal:

When another school offers you admission, it will appear on the JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) portal. You need to log in to your account and check for any admission offers. If you see an offer, you can either accept or reject it.

• Change of Institution:

If you accept the admission offer from the new school, you will need to perform a change of institution on the JAMB portal to reflect the school that admitted you. This is a crucial step because your records need to be updated to match the institution that has offered you admission.

• Accepting or Rejecting the Offer:

If you decide to accept the admission, you should ensure that you complete all necessary registration procedures for the school. However, if you reject the offer, you will remain in the pool for consideration by your original school choices or any other school that might offer you admission in the future.

How to Check If You’ve Been Offered Admission by Another School

To know if you’ve been offered admission by a school you didn’t choose, follow these steps:

1. Visit the JAMB CAPS portal at https://www.jamb.gov.ng
2. Log in with your JAMB registration number and password.
3. Navigate to the “Admission Status” tab and check for any new offers.
4. If you have been offered admission by a school you didn’t choose, you will see the option to accept or reject the admission.
5. Once you accept the offer, proceed with the change of institution process on the JAMB portal to finalize your admission with the new school.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I reject the admission from a school I didn’t choose?

Yes, you can reject the offer if you are not interested. JAMB will continue to consider you for your preferred institution if space is still available.

2. What happens if I reject the admission offer?

If you reject the offer, JAMB will keep your file open for other institutions you selected during your registration. However, there’s no guarantee that you will get an offer from your first-choice school.

3. Do I need to pay for a change of institution?

Yes, if you accept the admission offer from a school you didn’t choose, you will need to pay a fee to change your institution on the JAMB portal.

4. Is it compulsory to accept an offer from a school I didn’t choose?

No, it is not compulsory. You can choose to reject the offer if you are not interested in the school or course.

5. How do I know if the admission offer is genuine?

Always check your JAMB CAPS portal to verify if the offer is genuine. Only offers listed on your CAPS portal are considered valid.

In conclusion, being offered admission by a school you didn’t choose in JAMB is not uncommon, especially in cases where your initial choices have filled their quota or have other constraints. Always keep an eye on your JAMB CAPS portal for admission updates, and make an informed decision on whether to accept or reject the offer. This alternative route can sometimes lead to excellent opportunities, even if it wasn’t your first choice.