This blog post will give you the complete list of all the universities that accept second choice in Nigeria.
Selecting a university that accepts second choice when registering for JAMB may seem as making an easy choice. You might have invested everything you had in your initial option but nothing is sure in admissions.
In case the first alternative fails, a good second alternative would be the difference between attending university and being left out.
The next big question now is what are those universities in Nigeria that bother with second choice when it comes to admission?
Universities That Accept Second Choice in Nigeria: 2026 Verified List
The following table is a revised and validated list of the realistic universities admitting a second choice, classified by Federal, State, and Private universities.
Federal Universities That Accept Second Choice In Nigeria
| S/N | Federal Universities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara (FUGUS) |
| 2 | Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA) |
| 3 | Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina (FUDMA) |
| 4 | Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD) |
| 5 | Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State (FUOYE) |
| 6 | Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) |
State Universities That Accept Second Choice In Nigeria
| S/N | State Universities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra |
| 2 | Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) |
| 3 | Admiralty University of Nigeria |
| 4 | Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) |
| 5 | Adamawa State University (ADSU) |
| 6 | Ekiti State University (EKSU) |
| 7 | Ebonyi State University (EBSU) |
| 8 | Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) |
| 9 | Cross River State University of Science & Tech (CRUTECH)/UNICROSS |
| 10 | Benue State University (BSU) |
| 11 | Kaduna State University (KASU) |
| 12 | Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU) |
| 13 | Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rivers |
| 14 | Gombe State University (GSU) |
| 15 | Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) |
| 16 | Lagos State University (LASU) |
| 17 | Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso |
| 18 | Kogi State University (KSU, now Prince Abubakar Audu University) |
| 19 | Kebbi State University of Science & Technology (KSUSTA) |
| 20 | Kano University of Science & Technology (KUST), Wudil |
| 21 | Osun State University (UNIOSUN) |
| 22 | Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) |
| 23 | Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State |
| 24 | Niger Delta University (NDU) |
| 25 | Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) |
| 26 | Taraba State University (TSU) |
| 27 | Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun |
| 28 | Sokoto State University (SSU) |
| 29 | Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) |
| 30 | Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU) |
| 31 | Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa |
| 32 | University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State (UAT) |
| 33 | Zamfara State University (ZAMSU) |
| 34 | Yobe State University (YSU) |
| 35 | Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) |
Private Universities That Accept Second Choice In Nigeria
| S/N | Private Universities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State |
| 2 | Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State |
| 3 | Edwin Clark University, Delta State |
| 4 | Crescent University, Abeokuta |
| 5 | Caritas University, Amorji-Nike, Enugu |
| 6 | Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State |
| 7 | Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji |
| 8 | Igbinedion University, Okada |
| 9 | Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State |
| 10 | Gregory University, Uturu |
| 11 | Novena University, Ogume, Delta State |
| 12 | Mountain Top University, Ogun State |
| 13 | McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State |
| 14 | Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State |
| 15 | Lead City University, Ibadan |
| 16 | Southwestern University, Nigeria |
| 17 | Renaissance University, Enugu |
| 18 | Redeemer’s University, Ede |
| 19 | Paul University, Awka |
| 20 | Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State |
| 21 | Wellspring University, Benin City |
| 22 | Tansian University, Umunya |
Should You Really Bother With Universities That Accept Second Choice in Nigeria?
Yes, absolutely.
Everybody wishes to go to their dream school on the first try, but it is not always the case since many miss school due to catchment limits, intense competition, or cut off marks. It is in this respect that second choice universities prove saviors.
Although they all will not guarantee an admission, most of them will provide an opportunity should you pass their screening protocols and performance standards.
What Makes Some Universities Accept Second Choice and Others Don’t?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but the following are some of the primary reasons why some universities will accept a second choice:
1. They desire a greater number of applicants. In some schools there are less applicants and the places are still vacant.
2. They are ambitious to reach more students. Most state and nonstate schools seek to swell their student populations.
3. Flexibility in the Post-UTME. In case you apply and get the screening score, you may be given admission despite a second choice status.
4. Federal funding targets. Certain federal institutions will be able to increase enrollment, which will generate more opportunities.
How to Maximize Your Chances With Universities That Accept Second Choice
Seeing the list isn’t enough. This will require you to think strategically to ensure that your second option has not ended. Here’s how:
Submit applications ahead of time particularly in private and state universities.
Sit for their Post-UTME. Although they may take second choice, you will often have to take screening.
Meet the cutoff mark. Check department specific cutoff marks.
Follow up. Call the university or portal of admission to confirm admissions.
How Do You Know A University That Accepts Second Choice?
When the university does not tell you, then you have to look:
– The portal also has a variety of admission routes, such as supplementary or direct entry.
– The application window remains open longer than normal.
– JAMB brochures state that they consider second choice.
– Other students say that they get accepted through second choice.
These signs should be used to direct your strategy.
Hidden Takeaways About the Universities That Accept Second Choice in Nigeria
In addition to the visible list, the following are the insightful ones which may not be evident elsewhere:
– There is bias all over the region. State colleges can favor local candidates.
– Private universities tend to be more receptive. They tend to actively seek second choice students.
– JAMB score is in most cases overshadowed by post UTME performance.
In 2026, strategy, rather than grades, will be more important in admission. Select an intelligent second option and give it your all.
Why Private Universities Are Your Best Bet If Using Second Choice
Universities that accept second choice in Nigeria and are private usually offer direct contact to admission officers. Their emphasis is on enrollment and they have alternative routes and in particular the business, science, and ICT courses.
Don’t Judge a University Just Because It’s Second Choice Friendly
People believe that the universities that accept second choice in Nigeria are of low quality, but again, that is not the case.
There are some federal universities that are today accepting second choice but at the same time they have strong academic reputations. Second choice is not second class and the aim is admission.
Strategic Courses to Apply for as Second Choice
Your choice of course is important. Use less competitive departments to weight the odds in your favor:
– Agricultural Science
– Education-related programs
– Environmental Science
– Linguistics
Upon admission, change courses after the first year, where possible.
7 Key Mistakes Students Make When Choosing A Second Choice Option
1. Not following the policies of the school about Post-UTME.
2. Not researching past trends of admission.
3. Choosing another leading federal university as second.
4. Assuming a second choice will not count and ignoring Post-UTME.
5. Lateness or failure to meet the deadlines.
6. Selecting exceptionally competitive courses.
7. Failure to ensure that the school accepts second choices.
These are pitfalls which should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have a chance using Direct Entry to be accepted?
Yes. The same would be when the school uses second choice through UTME.
2. Is it of any benefit to select a less competitive state university as the second option?
Definitely. It raises your chances of fast track admission.
3. Are there separate screenings of second choice applicants in schools?
Some do. Others cluster all the applicants within the same Post-UTME.
4. Does this mean that I can alter my second choice even after registering for JAMB?
Yes. All one has to do is buy a change-of-institution form.
5. Does JAMB score differently in second choice schools?
The majority of them are not that different; a good score will help.
6. Is there any scholarship associated with a second-choice admission?
There are also some private universities that have partial scholarships irrespective of choice.
7. Is it possible to get medicine or law by second choice?
Very unlikely. The courses are very competitive and are normally available to first-choice students.
Conclusion
You have come to the conclusive part of this blog post. You need not abandon your second choice. Just put it to proper use. Conduct adequate research, get ready to take the Post-UTME, and find schools that meet your performance as well as career aspirations.
You still have an opportunity to apply to any of the universities that accept second choice in Nigeria. All you have to do is follow up and do your own research.
That your second choice university is probably your backup, but it might be your breakthrough in 2026.
Good luck!