Akahi News reports that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced the change of course and institution process for the 2026 admission cycle. Akahi News gathered that candidates who wish to alter their chosen institutions or programmes may now proceed to any accredited CBT centre or JAMB office to effect the changes.

This window is a lifeline for many candidates who, after seeing their UTME scores, realise that their initial choices may have been too ambitious or poorly matched to their performance. But before you rush out, there is a warning: make sure you actually need a change before proceeding. A wrong move could complicate your admission chances rather than improve them.

Payment and Service Charges: What to Expect

Candidates will be required to make payment for the process, plus service charges to be paid to the CBT centre. Akahi News learnt that the mandatory fee for the change of institution or course is typically ₦2,500. On top of this, CBT centres usually add a service charge ranging from ₦700 to ₦1,000. That means candidates should budget between ₦3,200 and ₦3,500 for the entire process.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to slight variations depending on the CBT centre. Some centres may charge more. Candidates are advised to confirm the total cost before making payment and to demand an official receipt. Akahi News had earlier reported that unauthorised vendors and cybercafés often inflate these charges. Stick to accredited JAMB centres to avoid being overcharged or scammed.

Beyond changing course or institution, candidates can also correct their bio-data during this window. That includes name spelling errors, date of birth corrections, and other personal details that may have been entered incorrectly during registration. A simple error on your bio-data could lead to disqualification during admission screening. Do not ignore it.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Institution or Course

For candidates who have decided to proceed, here is a clear step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transaction.

Step 1: Visit an Accredited CBT Centre. Walk into any JAMB-approved centre with your registration slip. Do not go to a cybercafé that is not accredited. If you are unsure which centres are approved, check the JAMB website or ask at a JAMB state office. Akahi News gathered that using unaccredited centres is one of the fastest ways to lose your money and your data.

Step 2: Request for Correction of Data. Inform the officer that you wish to perform a “Change of Institution” or “Change of Course.” Be specific. If you also want to change your bio-data, mention that as well. Do not assume the officer will read your mind.

Step 3: Payment. Pay the required fee. The standard is ₦2,500 plus a CBT service charge of between ₦700 and ₦1,000. Keep your payment receipt. You may need it if there are any disputes later.

Step 4: Data Update. Provide your new choices to the operator. You can change your first, second, third, or fourth choice. Think carefully before making changes. Do not choose a course you cannot handle or an institution that rarely admits candidates with your score. Akahi News advises candidates to research cut-off marks and admission patterns before committing to new choices.

Step 5: Biometric Verification. You will be required to thumbprint to authorise the change. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. Do not allow anyone else to thumbprint on your behalf. That could invalidate the entire process.

Step 6: Print Confirmation. Ensure you collect your Change of Data Slip as proof of the transaction. This slip is your evidence that the change was made. Keep it safe. You will need it during your admission screening.

Important Warnings for Candidates

Before you rush to make changes, here are some critical warnings. First, make sure you actually need a change. Akahi News gathered that some candidates change their choices out of panic, only to regret it later. If your score is competitive for your original choice, stay put. If your score is far below your institution’s cut-off, then change.

Second, do not change to a course you have no interest in just because it seems easier. You will spend four or five years studying that subject. If you hate it, you will struggle. Choose wisely.

Third, be aware that some institutions have specific requirements for certain courses. For example, changing to Medicine may require a certain combination of O’Level subjects. Changing to Law may require specific grades. Akahi News had earlier reported that candidates who ignore these requirements are often disqualified during screening. Do your homework before making the change.

Fourth, if you are changing your bio-data, bring documentary evidence. If you are correcting your name, bring your birth certificate or sworn affidavit. If you are correcting your date of birth, bring your birth certificate. The CBT centre may ask for proof. Be prepared.

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What to Do After Changing Your Institution

Once you have successfully changed your institution or course, the real work begins. Akahi News advises candidates to immediately begin preparing for post-UTME screenings. Many candidates make the mistake of relaxing after the change, only to fail the screening of their new choice. Do not be that candidate.

Research the post-UTME format of your new institution. Some schools use computer-based tests. Others use paper-based tests. Some ask subject-specific questions. Others focus on general knowledge. Knowing the format gives you an edge.

Also, gather all your documents. You will need your original JAMB result slip, your change of institution slip, your O’Level results, your birth certificate, and your local government identification letter. Start organising them now. Do not wait until the last minute.

Final Advice from Akahi News

The change of institution and course window will not remain open forever. Akahi News believes that candidates should act decisively but not recklessly. Take a day to think about your new choices. Consult teachers, older siblings, or admission experts. Then go to an accredited centre and make the change.

Remember: the goal is not just to change your choices. The goal is to gain admission. Every decision you make from this point forward should bring you closer to that goal. Choose wisely. Prepare diligently. And trust the process.

Akahi News wishes all candidates the very best in the 2026 admission cycle. May your change of institution be the turning point that leads to that long-awaited admission letter.