JAMB Finally Opens Portal for UTME Change of Institution – Candidates Rush to CBT Centres

Akahi News reports that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially activated the process for candidates seeking to change their institution or programme of choice. Akahi News gathered that the announcement was made by Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D., spokesperson for the examination body, bringing relief to thousands of candidates who have been waiting anxiously to make corrections to their applications.

Candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and wish to switch to a different university, polytechnic, or course of study may now proceed to do so. But here is the catch: the change can only be done by visiting any of the Board’s approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. No online self-service. No shortcuts. That means queues, logistics, and potentially long waits. Is JAMB making things easy or simply creating another hurdle? That is the question on every candidate’s lips.

Original UTME Result Slip Printing Begins May 18

In addition to the change of institution process, JAMB has also announced that the printing of the original 2026 UTME result slip will commence on Monday, 18th May, 2026. Akahi News learnt that this original result slip is different from the notification slip candidates received immediately after their exams. The original slip comes with candidates’ passport photographs and is often required by institutions during post-UTME screening and admission verification.

For many candidates, this is the document that makes their result official. Without it, some universities may refuse to process their admission. So the message is clear: do not sleep on this. From Monday, 18th May, candidates are advised to visit their nearest accredited CBT centre or JAMB office to print the original slip. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing deadlines. And in Nigeria, deadlines are not always forgiving.

Akahi News had earlier reported that previous UTME cycles have been marred by confusion over result slip printing, with some candidates ending up with fake documents from cybercafés. This time, JAMB is insisting that only accredited CBT centres can handle the process. That is a welcome development — but only if the centres are accessible to candidates in rural areas.

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Why Change of Institution Is Critical for Many Candidates

Every year, thousands of UTME candidates discover that their initial choice of institution or course was either too competitive or simply unrealistic based on their score. Akahi News gathered that the change of institution window is the lifeline for such candidates. A student who scored 180 and initially chose Medicine at the University of Lagos may now decide to switch to a less competitive university or a different course altogether.

But there is a warning: change of institution does not guarantee admission. It only allows candidates to redirect their application. The final decision still rests with the institution and JAMB’s admission criteria. Some candidates make the mistake of changing to institutions that have already closed their admission window for the year. That is a costly error. Applicants are advised to first confirm which universities are still accepting applications for the 2026 cycle before making any changes.

The process must be done at any accredited CBT centre. Candidates are expected to pay the requisite fee and provide their registration number. Akahi News learnt that the change can be made as many times as needed, but each change attracts a separate fee. That means candidates should think carefully before making multiple switches. It is not a child’s play, and the wallet feels every click.

What Candidates Must Do Now

First, any candidate who is unhappy with their current choice of institution or programme should immediately locate the nearest JAMB-accredited CBT centre. Akahi News advises that candidates carry their registration slip, a valid means of identification, and sufficient funds for the transaction. Do not walk into a cybercafé claiming to be a JAMB centre without verifying. Scammers are everywhere, and the pain of being defrauded after writing UTME is unimaginable.

Second, candidates who are satisfied with their current choices but need to print the original result slip should mark Monday, 18th May, on their calendars. The original slip is not just a piece of paper. It is the official document that will follow you through your admission journey. Keep multiple photocopies. Laminate the original. Treat it like the precious document it is.

Third, candidates should begin preparing for post-UTME screenings immediately. Changing your institution is useless if you fail the post-UTME of your new choice. Akahi News had earlier reported that many candidates gain admission not because of their UTME score alone, but because they excelled in the post-UTME screening. Do not put all your energy into the change of institution and forget the bigger battle ahead.

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JAMB’s Benjamin Issues Important Advisory

Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D., the Board’s spokesperson, reiterated that only accredited CBT centres are authorised to process the change of institution and print original result slips. Akahi News gathered that the Board has warned candidates against patronising touts or unauthorised vendors who may present fake documents. The consequences of using a fake result slip include automatic disqualification from admission and possible prosecution.

Benjamin also advised candidates to verify the accreditation status of any CBT centre they visit. A list of approved centres is available on the official JAMB website. Candidates should also be wary of anyone promising to “help” them change to a course or institution that is not available on the JAMB portal. No amount of money can override the system. If it sounds too good to be true, it is because it is a scam.

For candidates who are physically challenged or live in remote areas, the Board has assured that arrangements have been made to ensure accessibility. But let us be honest — in Nigeria, accessibility is not always guaranteed. Candidates in rural communities may need to travel long distances to the nearest CBT centre. That is a reality JAMB must continue to address.

Final Word: Time Is Not on Your Side

The change of institution window does not stay open forever. Akahi News advises every candidate to act immediately. Procrastination has ruined more admission dreams than low UTME scores. Every day you delay, the available spaces in your preferred institution or programme are being filled by more decisive candidates.

Also, do not wait until the final days before the window closes. That is when CBT centres become overcrowded, the network crashes, and tempers flare. Go now. Do it now. Secure your future now. And once you have made the change, print that original result slip as soon as it becomes available on 18th May. Then turn your full attention to post-UTME preparation. That is the formula for success.

Akahi News will continue to provide updates on JAMB-related matters as the 2026 admission cycle unfolds. For now, candidates have their marching orders. The ball is in their court. Whether they score or not depends entirely on how quickly and wisely they move.