5 Top Universities That Accept Second Choice in Nigeria

Many students applying for admission in Nigeria worry about their chances when they choose a second-choice school.

That’s because most schools ignore second-choice applicants, leaving many hopefuls disappointed.

But it’s not all bad news. There are Some universities that accept second choice in Nigeria, and as a candidate if you choose wisely and meet their requirements, you can still get admitted.

In this post, you’ll find 5 top universities that accept second choice in Nigeria, tips on how to increase your chances of getting admitted, and all common mistakes to avoid.

Table of Contents

Do Universities in Nigeria Accept Second Choice?

Yes, but not all

Not all Universities that accepts second-choice in Nigeria.

Federal universities with high competition rarely consider second choice.

However, some state and newer federal universities still admit second-choice applicants, especially when courses are less competitive.

What students often don’t know

Many students pick second choice without checking if the university accepts such applicants.
Some courses (Medicine, Law, Nursing, Engineering) seldom take second-choice candidates.
Even if the school accepts second choice, your JAMB score and O’level results must be strong.

Check Also: How to Gain Admission without Meeting JAMB Cut off Marks in Nigeria

5 Universities That Accept Second Choice in Nigeria

Here are 5 universities that based on past admission cycles and student reports are known to admit second-choice applicants.

1. University of Jos (UNIJOS) — Plateau State

UNIJOS has a good reason for admitting second-choice applicants for certain courses.

If your JAMB score and O’level results are good, departments with fewer applicants tend to accept second choice.

2. Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) — Kebbi State

Although a new federal university with lower demand, FUBK is often open to second-choice students.

This makes it a good option if you want a federal university without the intense competition of older ones.

3. Federal University Dutsin‑Ma (FUDMA) — Katsina State

FUDMA has shown easy process when it comes to their admissions.

Many students who chose it as second choice in previous years got admitted, especially for less competitive courses.

4. Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) — Bayelsa State

FUOTUOKE is one of the Universities that accept second choice in Nigeria, it often admits second-choice applicants, especially those applying for courses in humanities, social sciences, and management.

If you don’t mind doing a less competitive course, FUOTUOKE is worth considering.

5. Federal University Lafia (FULAFIA) — Nasarawa State

FULAFIA stands out for a more open admission policy compared to bigger, older federal universities.

It often admits students with good credentials even when chosen as second choice.

How to Improve Your Chances as a Second-Choice Applicant

If you choose second choice, don’t just hope, prepare.

Here are some smart steps:

Aim for a good JAMB score: Higher scores help you stand out.
Pick less competitive courses: Avoid courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering if you’re second choice. Courses like Education, Agriculture, Social Sciences are easier to get.
Make sure your O’level results are strong: Good WAEC/NECO results increase your odds.
Prepare well for post-UTME/screening: Many admissions depend on screening exams, not just JAMB score.
Monitor the admission portal regularly: Admission lists may come out in batches — check often.
Avoid relying only on second choice: Use it as a backup, always give your first-choice school a strong shot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Picking a competitive course as second choice.
Choosing a university without checking its admission policy.
Ignoring O’level and screening requirements.
Assuming second choice means easy admission, it doesn’t.
Not monitoring school or JAMB portals for updates.

FAQs for Universities that Accept Second Choice in Nigeria

Q1. Can a federal university accept second-choice applicants?
Yes but only a few (like UNIJOS, FUBK, FUDMA, FUOTUOKE, FULAFIA) based on available slots and course competition.

Q2. Are professional courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering) open to second-choice admission?
Rarely. These courses are often too competitive and usually only admit first-choice candidates.

Q3. What private universities that accept second choice in Nigeria?
In most cases, yes. Private schools usually have more easy admission policies and are among the Universities that accept second choice in Nigeria.

Q4. Does choosing second choice reduce my chances significantly?
It depends. If the university accepts second choice and you meet the entry requirements, your chances remain good. Otherwise, yes, chances drop.

Q5. Can I change my second choice to first choice after registration?
Not automatically. You must apply for a change of institution if you want to swap your first and second choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right second-choice school can make a big difference.

Note that, not all universities that accept second-choice in Nigeria candidates, but some, like UNIJOS, FUBK, FUDMA, FUOTUOKE, and FULAFIA, offer real opportunities.

If you prepare well, have good JAMB score, solid O’level results, smart course choice, and timely screening, you can still gain admission even as a second-choice applicant.

Treat second choice as a backup plan, not a lesser plan and stay alert during admission season.

Hope you find this helpful

Good luck with your admission journey!