How Long Does It Take for JAMB to Approve Change of Institution?

One of the common concerns for candidates who have completed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is whether they’ve made the right choice in selecting their institution of study. In many cases, candidates realize after their initial application that they’d prefer to switch to a different university, polytechnic, or college.

Thankfully, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides a process that allows candidates to change their choice of institution. However, once this decision is made, another important question arises: How long does it take for JAMB to approve the change of institution?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the time it takes for JAMB to process and approve a change of institution request, factors that can affect the timeline, and everything you need to know about navigating this process.

Why Might You Want to Change Your Institution?

Before diving into how long it takes for JAMB to approve a change of institution, it’s essential to understand why a candidate may want to make this change. There are several reasons why a candidate may feel compelled to switch their choice of institution:

1. Better Chances of Admission: Perhaps after reviewing your UTME score, you realize that your score is better suited for a different institution, one with lower cut-off marks or higher acceptance rates.
2. Course Availability: Sometimes candidates discover that their preferred course of study is either not available or is more competitive at their chosen institution. Switching to a different school where the course is offered may provide a better chance of admission.
3. Geographical Preference: Over time, you may reconsider your preferred location for schooling. Perhaps you’ve decided you’d rather study closer to home, or maybe you’ve discovered that another location offers better living conditions or a lower cost of living.
4. Personal Reasons: Other personal reasons, including family circumstances or a change in career goals, might necessitate switching institutions.

Whatever the reason for the change, it’s important to follow the official process outlined by JAMB. But the big question remains: How long will the change take to process?

The JAMB Change of Institution Process

Before we get into the timeframe, it’s crucial to understand how to apply for a change of institution through JAMB. Here is a quick breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Visit the JAMB Portal: Log in to the official JAMB e-Facility portal. This can be done via JAMB eFacility. Ensure that you have your JAMB login details on hand, such as your registration number and password.
2. Select ‘Correction of Data’: Once logged in, select the “Correction of Data” option on your dashboard. From there, choose the “Change of Institution/Course” option.
3. Select the New Institution: Enter the details of the institution you now wish to change to. Ensure that you choose the right institution and the correct course, as this is a one-time process.
4. Payment of Processing Fee: JAMB charges a fee for processing the change of institution, typically around ₦2,500. Payment can be made via the JAMB portal, and once successful, the change will be initiated.
5. Print the Slip: After completing the process, you will receive a confirmation slip that indicates the changes you’ve made.

How Long Does It Take for JAMB to Approve the Change?

The time it takes for JAMB to approve a change of institution can vary depending on several factors, but on average, it takes anywhere between 24 hours and two weeks. Let’s break down the potential timeline in more detail.

Immediate Approval (24-48 Hours)

In some cases, candidates report that their change of institution is approved almost immediately, within 24 to 48 hours of making the payment and submitting the request. This is often the case during non-peak periods when JAMB is not overwhelmed with numerous applications. Once the change has been approved, candidates will be able to view the updated institution on their JAMB profile.

Standard Processing Time (1-2 Weeks)

For most candidates, the typical processing time falls within 1 to 2 weeks. This delay can be attributed to administrative processing on JAMB’s end. During peak periods, especially when many candidates are attempting to change their institutions simultaneously (such as shortly after UTME results are released), the process may take a little longer.

Factors That Can Affect Processing Time

While the average approval time is between 24 hours and two weeks, several factors can affect how long it takes for JAMB to approve a change of institution.

1. Timing of Application

The time of year when you apply for a change of institution can significantly affect how long it takes for your request to be processed. For example, during the peak UTME season when JAMB is processing large volumes of applications and corrections, the approval process might take longer than expected. On the other hand, if you apply during off-peak periods, your request might be processed faster.

2. Network and Technical Issues

Occasionally, delays may occur due to technical issues with JAMB’s online portal. For instance, if there are network downtimes or other technical challenges, the approval process might take longer than the standard timeline. However, JAMB typically works to resolve such issues quickly, so it’s rare for this to be the primary cause of prolonged delays.

3. Institution’s Admission Schedule

The institution to which you are switching might also play a role in how fast your change is processed. Some institutions are more prompt in updating their admission lists and coordinating with JAMB, while others may take more time. This could indirectly influence how long JAMB takes to update your change of institution request.

4. High Traffic on the JAMB Portal

During certain periods, such as after the release of UTME results or during admission periods, the JAMB portal may experience high levels of traffic, causing delays in processing changes. When many candidates are accessing the portal simultaneously, it can cause slower processing times.

How to Track the Status of Your Change of Institution

Once you’ve initiated the change of institution, you’ll naturally want to know when the process is complete. Here’s how to track the status of your application:

1. Login to Your JAMB Profile: The most straightforward way to check the status of your change is to log back into your JAMB profile via the eFacility portal.
2. View Your Institution: If the change has been processed, the name of the new institution should reflect on your profile under the “My Institution” section.
3. Check Your Admission Status: Once the institution has accepted your application, you’ll also be able to track your admission status via the JAMB CAPS portal. This will show whether the institution has offered you provisional admission.

What If the Change Takes Longer?

If it’s been over two weeks and your change of institution hasn’t been approved, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to address any delays:

• Contact JAMB: You can reach out to JAMB’s support services via their official helpline or visit a JAMB office in person for assistance. JAMB typically resolves issues quickly once they’re brought to their attention.
• Visit a JAMB Office: If you’re experiencing prolonged delays, it might be helpful to visit a JAMB office in your area. In some cases, face-to-face communication can speed up the resolution of any issues you’re facing.
• Check for Portal Updates: Sometimes the change of institution will reflect on the institution’s portal before it does on JAMB’s portal. Make sure to keep an eye on both platforms.

In summary, it typically takes between 24 hours and two weeks for JAMB to approve a change of institution. However, several factors can influence this timeline, including the time of year, technical issues, and the responsiveness of the institution you’re switching to. By understanding these factors and monitoring the process closely, you can ensure that your change of institution is processed as smoothly and quickly as possible.

If you’re considering a change of institution, remember to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to complete the process well before the admission deadlines. Best of luck on your academic journey!