2026 JAMB change of institution begins: How to change course, school and print original UTME result slip
JAMB opens 2026 change of institution portal
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially activated the portal for candidates seeking to change their institution or course after the release of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.
The announcement, made through JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, is expected to trigger a nationwide rush among candidates hoping to improve their admission chances ahead of the 2026 admission cycle.
According to the board, eligible candidates can now process corrections and modifications through approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria.
The latest development comes as thousands of candidates reassess their preferred institutions and courses following the release of UTME scores and evolving admission requirements by universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
JAMB Activates Portal for Institution and Course Changes
In separate statements reported by Nigerian media platforms, JAMB confirmed that the correction portal has gone live for all qualified candidates.
The board stated that applicants who wish to switch universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, or academic programmes should visit accredited CBT centres for proper processing.
JAMB said:
“Candidates wishing to change their institution or programme of choice may now proceed to do so by visiting any of the Board’s approved CBT centres.”
The examination body stressed that candidates should avoid unapproved cybercafes or unauthorized agents to prevent errors, fraud, or invalid application processing.
The activation of the portal is considered a critical stage in Nigeria’s admission process, especially for candidates who may not meet the cut-off mark for their initial institution or course selection.
Why Candidates Are Changing Institutions and Courses
Many UTME candidates often adjust their institution or course choices after reviewing their examination performance and admission realities.
Some candidates seek less competitive universities or departments to increase their chances of securing admission, while others switch institutions due to changes in preferred career paths.
Education analysts say the process has become increasingly important as federal universities continue to maintain highly competitive admission benchmarks.
Candidates with lower UTME scores are also expected to target institutions with flexible admission policies or courses with reduced competition.
The development is already generating massive interest online, with searches for phrases such as “How to change institution in JAMB 2026,” “JAMB correction portal,” and “How to print original result slip” trending across social media and search engines.
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Original UTME Result Slip Printing Begins May 18
Beyond institution and course modifications, JAMB also announced that candidates will be able to print their original 2026 UTME result slips starting Monday, May 18, 2026.
The original result slip is one of the most important documents required during admission screening exercises conducted by tertiary institutions nationwide.
Unlike the notification slip commonly viewed online, the original result slip contains the candidate’s passport photograph and other official verification details required for admission processing.
JAMB advised candidates to obtain the document through approved channels to avoid complications during admission screening and clearance exercises.
Importance of Accredited CBT Centres
JAMB emphasised that all correction procedures must be carried out at accredited CBT centres approved by the board.
The agency warned that processing corrections through unauthorized operators may lead to incorrect data uploads, failed updates, or disqualification issues.
Experts in Nigeria’s education sector have repeatedly advised candidates to confirm the accreditation status of any CBT centre before proceeding with registration or correction services.
The board’s insistence on accredited centres is part of wider efforts to improve transparency, reduce admission fraud, and maintain data accuracy within the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
Admission Race Intensifies Across Nigerian Universities
The opening of the correction portal signals the beginning of a critical phase in the 2026 admission exercise across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Universities are expected to begin releasing departmental cut-off marks, post-UTME screening guidelines, and admission requirements in the coming weeks.
Candidates are therefore under pressure to strategically review their institution and course selections before admission processes fully commence.
Education stakeholders say candidates should carefully study admission trends, departmental competitiveness, and institutional requirements before making any changes.
For many students, the correction window may determine whether they eventually secure admission for the 2026 academic session.
FAQ
What is JAMB change of institution?
JAMB change of institution is a process that allows candidates to modify their preferred university, polytechnic, college of education, or course after registering for the UTME.
Has JAMB opened the change of institution portal for 2026?
Yes. JAMB officially opened the 2026 portal for candidates seeking to change their institution or course after the UTME.
How can I change my institution in JAMB 2026?
Candidates can process the change by visiting any accredited CBT centre approved by JAMB across Nigeria.
Can I change both institution and course at the same time?
Yes. JAMB allows candidates to change both their institution and academic programme during the correction process.
How much is JAMB change of institution fee?
The official fee is usually determined by JAMB, while CBT centres may charge additional service fees for processing.
When will JAMB start printing original result slips?
JAMB announced that printing of original UTME result slips will begin on May 18, 2026.
What is the difference between original result slip and notification slip?
The original result slip contains the candidate’s passport photograph and official verification details, while the notification slip only shows examination scores.
Can I do JAMB correction in a cybercafe?
No. JAMB advised candidates to process all corrections only through accredited CBT centres.
Why do candidates change institutions after UTME?
Most candidates change institutions due to low UTME scores, competitive cut-off marks, or changes in academic preferences.
Can I change my institution more than once?
JAMB may allow multiple changes depending on the admission timeline and portal availability.
Is JAMB CAPS linked to change of institution?
Yes. Institution and course changes are reflected within JAMB CAPS for admission processing.
Which institutions are most competitive in Nigeria?
Federal universities such as the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University are among the most competitive institutions in Nigeria.
What documents are needed for JAMB correction?
Candidates typically need their JAMB registration number, profile details, and payment confirmation during the correction process.
When will Nigerian universities begin post-UTME screening?
Most universities are expected to release post-UTME guidelines and screening schedules in the coming weeks after JAMB corrections commence.
Can low JAMB scores still secure admission?
Yes. Candidates with lower scores may still gain admission by choosing less competitive institutions or courses.