Big news for 2026 UTME candidates. On Friday, May 15, 2026, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officially announced the activation of the change of institution and course portal for all 2026 UTME candidates. If you have been waiting to switch your school, switch your course, or correct any registration information, the window is now open — and you need to act quickly.
This guide covers absolutely everything you need to know: what the change of institution process means, who qualifies, how much it costs, the exact steps to follow both online and at a CBT centre, what mistakes to avoid, and how to use this opportunity strategically to maximise your chances of getting admission in the 2026/2027 academic session.
What Is the JAMB Change of Institution and Course?
The JAMB Change of Institution and Course — officially called Correction of Data — is a process that allows UTME candidates to update key choices they made during JAMB registration. Specifically, it allows you to:
- Change your first-choice institution — switch from one university, polytechnic, or college of education to another
- Change your second-choice institution — update your backup school choice
- Change your course of study — switch from one programme to another (for example, from Medicine and Surgery to Microbiology, or from Accountancy to Business Administration)
- Change both your institution and course simultaneously — if you want a completely fresh direction
- Correct biodata errors — fix mistakes in personal information such as your name, date of birth, state of origin, or local government area
The process is conducted through the official JAMB portal and at JAMB-accredited CBT centres only. It is not automatic — you must actively apply, pay the required fee, and confirm the correction on your JAMB profile.
JAMB typically opens this window after UTME results are released and keeps it active until the admission process is well underway. The portal has now been officially activated for 2026 candidates, as confirmed by JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin in a statement released on May 15, 2026.
Why Would You Need to Change Your Institution or Course?
There are several very legitimate and common reasons why candidates apply to change their institution or course after receiving their UTME results. You are not alone if any of these apply to you:
1. Your UTME Score Did Not Meet the Cut-Off for Your First Choice
This is the most common reason. If your score is below the required cut-off mark for your originally chosen institution or course — particularly for competitive programmes like Medicine, Law, or Engineering at top federal universities — changing to a school whose cut-off your score meets is a smart, practical decision.
For context, JAMB has set 150 as the minimum national cut-off for universities in 2026, but many individual universities set higher cut-offs for their programmes. A score of 200 may be enough for some institutions but fall short of others.
2. You Changed Your Mind About Your Course
It happens more often than people admit. After sitting for the UTME, many candidates realise that the course they chose during registration does not align with what they truly want to study. The change of institution window gives you the chance to correct this before the admission process finalises.
3. You Want to Switch to a School With Faster or More Reliable Admission
Some candidates initially applied to federal universities with extremely competitive admission processes and now want to switch to state or private universities where their scores give them a stronger chance.
4. You Made Errors During Registration
Mistakes during the JAMB registration process — such as selecting the wrong institution or programme by accident — can be corrected through this process.
5. Personal or Financial Reasons
Life circumstances change. You may have initially chosen a school far from home and now want something closer. You may need to consider a more affordable institution. All of these are valid reasons to use the change of institution option.
Who Is Eligible for the JAMB Change of Institution and Course?
Both UTME candidates and Direct Entry (DE) candidates are eligible to use the change of institution and course portal. However, before you proceed, ensure the following:
- Your UTME score meets the cut-off mark of the new institution you want to change to
- The new institution offers the course you want to study
- Your O-level subject combination satisfies the requirements of the new course
- Your JAMB subject combination (the subjects you sat for in the UTME) is appropriate for the new course
- Admission slots are still available at the new institution for your chosen course
Changing your institution or course does not guarantee admission. It only updates your choice on the JAMB system. Actual admission still depends on your score, your O-level results, post-UTME performance, and available spaces at the institution.
How Much Does JAMB Change of Institution Cost in 2026?
The official JAMB fee for change of institution, change of course, or any correction of data for the 2026 academic session is ₦2,500. This is the fee payable directly to JAMB through the portal or at an accredited CBT centre.
Additional charges to note:
- If you visit a JAMB-accredited CBT centre for assistance, the centre may charge a service fee of between ₦200 to ₦1,000 in addition to the JAMB fee
- If you use the JAMB portal independently (online), the ₦2,500 covers the full cost with no additional fees, but you still need to visit a CBT centre for biometric (fingerprint) verification in most cases
- Each correction requires a fresh payment — if you change your institution once and later want to change again, you pay again
There is no free correction process. Anyone who tells you they can change your JAMB institution for free or through an unofficial channel is likely attempting to defraud you.
What You Need Before Making a Change
Before heading to a CBT centre or logging into the JAMB portal, gather the following:
- Your JAMB registration number — available on your exam slip or result notification SMS
- Your JAMB profile login details — the email address and password you used during registration
- Your JAMB profile code — the unique code linked to your NIN
- Details of your new institution — the exact name of the school as listed on the JAMB portal
- Details of your new course — the exact programme name and code as listed in the JAMB brochure
- Your O-level results — to confirm that you meet the subject requirements of the new course
- Money for payment — at least ₦2,500 plus extra for CBT centre service charges if applicable
- A valid means of identification — some centres may request this for identity verification
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your JAMB Institution or Course Online (Portal Method)
This method allows you to initiate the change from home, though biometric verification at a CBT centre may still be required for the change to be fully processed.
Step 1: Visit the Official JAMB Correction of Data Portal
Open your browser and go to: 👉 https://portal.jamb.gov.ng/changeOfCourse_Inst.htm
This is the dedicated JAMB change of institution and course portal. Do not use any other website.
Step 2: Log In to Your JAMB Profile
Enter your registered email address and password. If you are logging in for the first time on this portal, click “Sign Up (New User)” and create your profile using the same details you used during UTME registration.
Step 3: Select “Correction of Data”
Once logged into your dashboard, click on the “Correction of Data” option. From the dropdown or list that appears, select “Course/Institution.”
Step 4: Select Your Examination Year
When prompted, select 2026 as your examination year.
Step 5: Choose Your New Institution and/or Course
The portal will display your current choices. Use the available fields to:
- Search for and select your new institution
- Search for and select your new course
Take your time on this step. Double-check everything before proceeding. Remember that mistakes here mean paying again to correct.
Step 6: Make Payment
The portal will display the ₦2,500 fee. Proceed to make payment using a debit card, bank transfer, or any available payment gateway on the portal (such as Remita). A transaction ID will be generated — save or screenshot this for your records.
Step 7: Visit a CBT Centre for Biometric Verification
After making payment online, you will typically need to visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre for fingerprint verification to complete the process. This biometric step confirms your identity and finalises the change in the JAMB system.
Step 8: Receive Confirmation
After verification at the CBT centre, you will receive a printout or confirmation that your change has been processed. Keep this document. Your new choices should reflect in your JAMB CAPS portal within a few days.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your JAMB Institution or Course at a CBT Centre
If you prefer to do everything in person — or if you are not confident using the portal independently — visiting a JAMB-accredited CBT centre is the most straightforward approach.
Step 1: Locate a JAMB-Accredited CBT Centre Near You
Use the JAMB official website to find an accredited centre in your state. Not every cyber café or computer centre is accredited. Using non-accredited centres is risky and may result in your correction not being processed correctly.
Step 2: Go to the Centre With Your Details
Visit the centre with your JAMB registration number, your profile code, your registered phone number, and money for payment.
Step 3: Request the Change of Data Form
Inform the centre staff that you want to change your institution, course, or both. They will bring up your profile on the JAMB portal.
Step 4: Make Payment
Pay the ₦2,500 JAMB fee plus any service charge the centre applies. Collect a receipt or transaction confirmation.
Step 5: Specify Your New Choices
Clearly state the exact name of your new institution and the exact name of your new course as listed in the JAMB brochure. The staff will enter this into the system on your behalf.
Step 6: Thumbprint / Biometric Verification
You will be required to place your finger on a biometric scanner for identity confirmation. This is mandatory and cannot be skipped.
Step 7: Confirm and Collect Printout
After the change is processed, the centre will print a confirmation slip showing your updated institution and course. Review it carefully before leaving to ensure everything is correct.
How Long Does It Take for the Change to Reflect?
After your change has been processed and biometric verification completed, the update typically reflects in your JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) profile within a few hours to a few days, depending on network conditions and portal traffic volume.
Log into your JAMB CAPS portal at https://caps.jamb.gov.ng regularly after making the change to confirm that your new institution and course are correctly displayed.
Can You Change Your JAMB Institution More Than Once?
Yes, JAMB allows multiple corrections. There is no fixed maximum number of times you can change your institution or course. However, each correction requires a fresh payment of ₦2,500 plus service charges. This means frequent, indecisive changes can become costly.
The advice here is simple: research thoroughly before making your change. Do not change impulsively. Consider your score, the institution’s cut-off for your desired course, your O-level results, the post-UTME requirements, and the institution’s proximity and affordability before committing.
Smart Strategies: How to Use This Opportunity to Maximise Your Admission Chances
The change of institution window is not just an administrative correction — it is a strategic opportunity. Here is how to use it intelligently:
Strategy 1: Check the 2026 Cut-Off Marks Before Changing
Before selecting a new institution, confirm that the school’s cut-off mark for your chosen course is within reach of your UTME score. JAMB has set 150 as the national minimum for universities, but individual schools often require more — especially for courses like Medicine (commonly 200+), Law (180+), and Engineering (170+).
Strategy 2: Consider Schools With Faster Post-UTME Processing
Some federal universities run lengthy post-UTME processes and have stricter aggregate requirements. If your score is moderate, consider well-regarded state or private universities where your chances of clearing post-UTME are stronger.
Strategy 3: Switch to a Less Competitive Course at Your Dream School
If you love a particular university but your score does not meet the cut-off for your original course, consider switching to a less competitive course at the same institution — one whose cut-off your score clears — with a plan to transfer to your preferred department after your first year if the institution allows it.
Strategy 4: Verify Subject Combination Compatibility
Before switching courses, ensure that the UTME subjects you sat for (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, etc.) match the requirements of the new course. If they do not match, changing your course may not be possible regardless of your score.
Strategy 5: Do Not Wait Until the Portal Closes
The JAMB change of institution portal does not stay open indefinitely. JAMB has not announced a specific closing date for the 2026 correction window, but historically the portal is closed once the admission process reaches an advanced stage. The earlier you act, the better.
What Changes Cannot Be Made Through This Process?
It is important to understand what the change of institution process does not cover:
- You cannot change your UTME subjects — the four subjects you sat for cannot be altered after the exam
- You cannot alter your UTME score — any attempt to falsify or manipulate scores is a criminal offence and JAMB has confirmed arrests have been made for this
- You cannot change your NIN (National Identification Number)
- You cannot use this portal to switch from UTME to Direct Entry — that is a separate process entirely
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Changing to an institution whose cut-off your score does not meet. This is the most common and costly error. If your score is below the cut-off of the new school for your chosen course, your application to that school will fail regardless of your change.
Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong course name or institution name. The JAMB portal lists courses and institutions using specific names. For example, “Mass Communication” and “Communication and Language Arts” are different programmes. Always use the exact name as listed in the official JAMB brochure.
Mistake 3: Using non-accredited centres. Some regular cyber cafés offer to process JAMB corrections but are not accredited. Using them risks your data being entered incorrectly or your payment being collected without the change being processed.
Mistake 4: Paying for the change before checking eligibility. Confirm that your O-level subjects, UTME subject combination, and UTME score are all compatible with your new choice before paying. The fee is non-refundable.
Mistake 5: Not following up on CAPS after the change. Many candidates assume the change was processed without verifying it on CAPS. Always log into your CAPS portal to confirm your new choices are correctly reflected.
Frequently Asked Questions About JAMB Change of Institution 2026
Q: Has the JAMB 2026 change of institution portal been activated? A: Yes. JAMB officially activated the change of institution and course portal on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Q: What is the official JAMB change of institution portal link? A: The portal is at https://portal.jamb.gov.ng/changeOfCourse_Inst.htm
Q: How much does it cost to change JAMB institution in 2026? A: The official JAMB fee is ₦2,500. CBT centres may charge an additional service fee.
Q: Can I change both my institution and course at the same time? A: Yes. You can change both your institution and course in a single correction process.
Q: Do I need to go to a CBT centre to change my JAMB institution? A: You can initiate the process online, but biometric (fingerprint) verification at a CBT centre is typically required to finalise the change.
Q: How long does it take for the change to reflect on CAPS? A: Usually within a few hours to a few days after biometric verification.
Q: Can I change my institution more than once? A: Yes, but each change requires a fresh payment of ₦2,500 plus applicable service charges.
Q: What if I made a mistake during the change process? A: You will need to apply again and pay the fee again. This is why you must double-check all details before submitting.
Q: What is the deadline to change my JAMB institution in 2026? A: JAMB has not announced a specific closing date. However, the window is typically closed once admission is well advanced. Do not delay.
Q: Will changing my institution guarantee my admission? A: No. Changing your institution updates your choice on the JAMB system, but actual admission still depends on your score, O-level results, post-UTME performance, and available spaces.
Q: Can Direct Entry candidates also change their institution? A: Yes. Both UTME and Direct Entry candidates are eligible for the change of institution process.
Q: Can I change my UTME subjects through this process? A: No. Your UTME subjects cannot be changed after the examination.
After Making the Change — What Next?
Once your institution or course change has been confirmed on CAPS, here is what you should do immediately:
- Visit your new institution’s official website and look for their 2026/2027 post-UTME screening announcement. Post-UTME registration windows open shortly after the change of institution period and close quickly.
- Check your new institution’s specific cut-off mark for your course, as it may differ from the national minimum of 150.
- Ensure your O-level results are uploaded on your JAMB profile — both your institution and JAMB will need them.
- Print your JAMB original result slip (printing opens May 18, 2026) — your new institution will require it during post-UTME screening.
- Monitor your CAPS portal daily for any admission offer from your new institution.
Final Thoughts
The activation of the JAMB 2026 change of institution and course portal on May 15, 2026, is a critical opportunity that every candidate who is reconsidering their choices must take seriously and act on quickly. Whether your score came in below expectations, you have simply changed your mind, or you spotted an error in your registration — this is your official window to correct course before the admission process finalises.
Use it wisely. Research thoroughly. Verify all eligibility conditions before paying. And once you have made your change, move immediately to the next steps: post-UTME preparation and CAPS monitoring.
The 2026 admission season is in full motion. Every day you delay is a day closer to closed doors. Act now.
Bookmark this page for the latest updates on JAMB 2026 admission news, post-UTME schedules, cut-off marks, and result slip printing guides.
