How to Choose Institutions For UTME and DE (2024/2025) - SCHOOLCONTENTS.info

How to Choose Institutions For UTME and DE (2024/2025)

I saw the reasons to write this piece after a series of searches cropped up on this blog. Candidates have been sending me queries relating to how to select or choose institutions during JAMB or DE registration.

Well, this post will be your perfect guide to answer these questions and many more.

The first part will talk about UTME candidates' choices of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovative Enterprise Institutions. The second part will address DE applicants’ choices of universities.

Misconceptions About Choosing of Institutions in UTME

Most applicants know that they have the chance to select 4 schools during the UTME registration. However, they follow the trends of choosing universities as the first choices, polytechnics as second, colleges of education as third, and finally innovative enterprise institutions (IEI) as the fourth choices.

NOTE: IEI is an institution where you can learn all sorts of crafts, vocations, businesses, and professions. They're recognized for the award of National Diploma and certificate courses.

Another common combination is - a Federal University as the first choice, a state university as second, a polytechnic or college as the third, then IEI as the fourth.

These are just misunderstandings and a lack of real information. 

The real deal is that you have more than a dozen possible combinations to choose from. The two combinations, stated above, are correct but there are more.

You don’t have to select a university, at all, if you know you don’t have the academic ability for that. If you think you will do well as a teacher, college of education can be your first choice. In fact, if your course is only available in a polytechnic and you prefer that to a university, a polytechnic can be made 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice.

For more possible combinations, kindly read to the end of the post.

How to Choose Schools in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)

UTME applicants are just secondary school leavers who want to proceed to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, or innovative enterprise institutes (IEI).

This category of admission seekers can select their schools in different formats. The available combinations are listed below.

Combination 1
1st Choice: A Federal University
2nd Choice: A few federal universities (are available in the 2nd choice section)
3rd Choice: A Polytechnic
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 2
1st Choice: A Federal University
2nd Choice: A state or private university
3rd Choice: Polytechnic
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 3
1st Choice: Any Federal University
2nd Choice: A Polytechnic
3rd Choice: A polytechnic
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 4

1st Choice: Any Federal University
2nd Choice: A polytechnic
3rd Choice: A College of education
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 5
1st Choice: A State University
2nd Choice: A State or private University
3rd Choice: A Polytechnic
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 6
1st Choice: A State or private University
2nd Choice: A State or private University
3rd Choice: A College of Education
4th Choice: only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 7
1st Choice: A Polytechnic
2nd Choice: A Polytechnic
3rd Choice: A Polytechnic
4th Choice: only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 8
1st Choice: A College of Education
2nd Choice: A College of Education
3rd Choice: A College of Education
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 9
1st Choice: A Polytechnic
2nd Choice: A Polytechnic
3rd Choice: A College of Education
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

Combination 10
1st Choice: A Polytechnic
2nd Choice: A College of Education
3rd Choice: A College of Education
4th Choice: Only innovative enterprise institutions

See also: Choosing a School as Second Choice: Will they Give you Admission

The Summary and Notice

  1. Only the IEI is consistent in the 4th choice section. In other words, only the innovative enterprise institutions are available for applicants as the 4th choice.
  2. Universities are available as the 1st and 2nd choice but not as the 3rd and 4th choice. Most universities in the 2nd choice section are state and private but with a few federal.
  3. You can consider a polytechnic, a college of education, and an IEI as the 3rd choice too.
  4. Candidates can choose polytechnic as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice
  5. Candidates can choose IEI as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th choice
  6. Even though you have all the combinations available to you, almost all institutions give admission to applicants who chose them as the first choice. In this case, focus on your first choice more and if need be, you later move any of the other choices to the first choice during the change of institution exercise, if you will have a higher chance of gaining admission there.

How to Choose Institutions for Direct Entry (DE)

DE applicants are holders of ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, Cambridge Advanced, BSC, or HND. But these people want to continue to the University for their courses or related ones.

They are to obtain the JAMB DE form instead of the UTME form.

DE applicants have only two choices in their form – 1st choice and 2nd choice. In other words, only two universities are open to them.

Meanwhile, candidates can choose the two universities in any of the listed pattern:

Combination 1:
1st Choice: A federal university
2nd Choice: A Federal University (a few federal universities are available at the 2nd choice section)

Combination 2:
1st Choice: A federal university
2nd Choice: A State University

Combination 3:
1st Choice: A State University
2nd Choice: A Federal University (a few federal universities are available at the 2nd choice section)

Combination 4:
1st Choice: A State University
2nd Choice: A State University

Combination 5:
1st Choice: A Federal University or a State University
2nd Choice: A Private University

Combination 6:
1st Choice: A Private University
2nd Choice: A Federal University or a State University

Combination 7:
1st Choice: A Private University
2nd Choice: A Private University

Conclusion

In most cases, universities only give admissions to those candidates who chose them as the first choice. This is why candidates just focus on their first choice or even choose the same institution as both first and second - especially DE candidates.

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113 comments:

  1. Please sir i need your advice, am graduating this year and i want to apply for D.E this same year but the problem is that my school don't release result on time. Till next year January or February before result will be ready. Please what can i do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Use awaiting result for your DE application. Return to CBT centre when the result is released and upload.

      Delete
    2. Please when is Yabatech tech starting post ume

      Delete
  2. But re u sure it will work out that way?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is how it works. Am an education consultant. I can answer any of your questions on education in Nigeria. You can ask the same when you go to the CBT centre for your own registration.

      Delete
  3. So I won't be given admission if I choose offa poly as my second choice?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Please can we pick Oau or UI this year?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Once you can see them under universities category in JAMB, during your registration, then, you can choose them.

      Delete
  5. as we all know that this year weac is starting by August and ending by September,and we will be expecting the results by October
    so my question is that won't it be to late for those who chose awaiting results during jamb registration
    because it is almost like five months after utme ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NO, it won't be too late. admission activities and list may not be out until around November or December.

      Delete
    2. Please sir I want to study animals production but MY chemistry is E8. Is there Chance of me getting admission and how will I fill my 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th choice please

      Delete
    3. How to choose schools already detailed in the post.

      For courses without Chemistry, read the post below:

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2018/11/universities-and-courses-that-accept-d7_20.html

      Delete
  6. Can I choose University of osun as my first choice and Federal University of oye ekiti as my second choice?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I av two sittings in NECO& GCE of the same year and credit in NCE but I avnt regularised my NCE results until June , is it possible for me to do utme exams or direct entry to gain admission , pls am confused and sincerely need ur advice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can do UTME to gain admission.

      You can do DE to gain admission.

      You can also register a new UTME and convert that to DE later instead.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/01/how-to-upgrade-utme-to-de-for.html

      Delete
  8. Pls can I possibly put
    First choice: federal
    Second choice: federal
    Third choice: state or private
    Forth choice: state or private

    ReplyDelete
  9. Please can I put law as first and second choice course for federal and state university

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pls sir, I have registered for this year jamb but the issue am having now is that am still going to apply for the form after choosing NDA as my 1st choice of institution pls sir I need your reply so that I won't be late for the form thanks

      Delete
    2. Yes, NDA must be your first choice if you're interested in the university.

      Delete
  10. And again sir, am here to collect my ssce certificate so can I go to the cyber cafe with my ssce result for this year NDA 73rd form, or I can still apply with this year jamb or the form is compulsory

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You need this year JAMB for tis year NDA. And you need required SSCE subjects and grades.

      Delete
  11. I have the ssce result already, but I need enlightenment about the NDA form out now and at the same time they also need this year jamb result so how will that be possible and the form will close this week

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's your fault to be late. However, you can obtain the two form the same day before the closing time.

      If you're can still wait, may be there can be extension.

      Delete
  12. Please sir is unizik accepting law student for 2021/2022 session and please I choose eng, literature, govt and crs as my subject combination for jamb is it good enough

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sir pls can I put different courses in the four Choices

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can. Make sure the four courses require the same JAMB subject combinations, however.

      Delete
  14. Can I pick state University as first choice and pick federal University as second choice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes you can. However, you may not find a few federal universities under the 2nd choice category. You can check first when you get to the registration centre.

      Delete
  15. When universities state thier school gees,does it usually contain their acceptance fee ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. They usually require you to pay acceptance fee before the main fee.

      Delete
  16. Between UNN and FUTO which one is a better option for civil engineering considering finance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Both are finance conscious. They're both federal universities.

      Delete
  17. Sir can I choose the same polytechnic as first and second choice with different courses?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sir Will Abu Zaria give admission this year for DE?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've read it anywhere official that they won't.

      Delete
  19. Sir, what can I do??
    I don't know that mathematics is compulsory for me in my jamb (military science), I choose physics, economics, biology

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If make mistake in the change subjects, you will need to change to the course with that subject combination.

      Delete
    2. Is it before jamb or after jamb??

      Delete
    3. You can choose your schools during the JAMB registration. You can also change the choices during the change of institution.

      Delete
    4. Please give ne ur email or whatsapp contact

      Delete
    5. You can ask me any question here. I will reply you. That will also help others.

      Delete
  20. Please sir, I want to study Accounting
    And I'm choosing poly as my first and second choice
    Does it possible

    ReplyDelete
  21. Please sir most of the literature students are confused about the literature texts some say it's new ones while some say it's the old text so am confused I don't know which one to focus on

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sir I have a distinction in ND community health and I want to apply for DE into pharmacy or Nursing In Gombe state university or bayero university kano, is it possible please?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think so. Check the DE requirements for Nursing and Pharmacy through the link below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/12/direct-entry-requirements-for.html

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/09/direct-entry-admission-requirements-for.html

      Delete
  23. I did correction of names on my NIN will it reflect on my jamb profile

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have not seeing any reflecting it yet. But that is the normal thing. However, go to JAMB office to correct the date of birth too to be on the safer side.

      Delete
  24. Hello sir, am a DE student and am awaiting for my Gce result, this one that the result would likely be out by January February hope my admission won't be delayed?.. pls sir I need ur reply.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If your proposed university delays admission till then or beyond, you're in the right path.

      Delete
  25. Sir I haven't registered for jamb cause I want to change my NIN middle name so that it will be the same with my waec name,I hope it won't affect me when registering for jamb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It won't. Correct it before JAMB form comes out.

      Delete
  26. Pls sir what subjects can I write in jamb for business management

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. English, Maths, Economics and Government/Account

      Delete
  27. Sir can I choose first choice as polytechnic,second choice as federal university,third choice as polytechnic and fourth IEI. But the course I want to study is not offered in IEI what can I do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure. Read the post below for better understanding.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/04/can-i-choose-different-courses-for-my.html

      Delete
  28. Please sir I graduated from a private poly.with lower credit and I wish to apply for direct entry to study medical laboratory science,sir should I apply or should I write jamb and forget about the direct entry?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Write another JAMB is my best. Lower grade will limit your DE chance

      Delete
  29. Obi God'sLove Takim26 February 2022 at 10:40

    sir i want to register for jamb as awaiting candidate (first choice=UNICAL-Medical laboratory science) (second choice=CRUTECH-Medical laboratory) (Third choice=UNIYO-Medical laboratory) will it work out for me sir please reply

    ReplyDelete
  30. Is UI admitting undergraduates this year

    ReplyDelete
  31. Please can I choose federal poly as first choice and federal poly as second choice and state poly as third choice

    ReplyDelete
  32. Please the list of state universities that offer mechatronics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check the JAMB brochure for those

      https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng/?jk=UU400GHDSW6AQ98

      Delete
  33. Please sir did FUNAI offer medlab

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello sir, I did Jamb regularization early this year and have submitted my indemnity form to the register's office at the polytechnic, I have been checking my email to confirm the approval, but nothing has been done... I want to apply for DE this year. pls sir, can I still continue with it...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Apart from through email, there are a few other methods to check your regularization status. See that in the post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/12/4-methods-to-check-jamb-regularization.html

      If you read the post below too, it gives you guide on how to do DE registration without regularization approval yet.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/02/can-i-register-de-while-waiting-for.html

      Delete
  35. Sir, please I want to get this clear I wanted to apply for DE they can I can't do it because I don't have regularization number so they advise me to apply for UTME after which I can convert it my point if can it be converted even if you didn't pass the UTME? I want to clear on this please

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's is true. You can do that. I discussed that fully in the post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/01/direct-entry-form-de-20192020.html

      Delete
  36. Sir I'm having problem with my profile code ,i requested for jamb last year but I don't meet up with my schedule time so that exam gone,but this year I'm trying to get my profile code with my nin but it shows that I have already registered with gsm number ,meanwhile my sim that i use for my last year profile code got lost am trying using another one I just requested but still keep saying the same thing



    Please help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The only solution left with you is to do welcome back for the SIM. If you can't, go to the JAMB office to lodge complaint or send them message through the link below.

      https://support.jamb.gov.ng/candidate-support/create-general-ticket

      Delete
  37. Can two schools be chosen for first and second choice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can do that. Read the post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/04/can-i-choose-school-twice-with.html

      Delete
    2. Please sir what subject can I write in jamb for business administration

      Delete
    3. Math, English, Economics and Government/Accounting. See more through the link below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2018/07/101-most-competitive-universities.html

      Delete
  38. Sir,am having problem with my DE registration and whereas I have jamb reg,I did my jamb 2018...but when I finished my ND I tried applying for DE but now they are saying I should do jamb regularization,when I went to jamb office at ikoyi...they said I should go to my school(Rufus Giwa poly) to sort it out,and they also said my jamb reg is not from jamb..but from institution sir

    ReplyDelete
  39. Please sir I want to study accounting what are the subject combination for jamb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. English, Maths, Economics and 1 of Govt, Accounting etc

      Delete
  40. I choose yabatech as my second choice pls sir does yabatect accept second choice

    ReplyDelete
  41. Sir when can I change my institution

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After JAMB results are released. That's the best approach.

      Delete
  42. Please Sir, is there any hope of jamb reopening portal for registration this year, I could not register wen it was on

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. Prepare for next year JAMB or consider universities offering admissions without JAMB as detailed in the post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/04/list-of-universities-that-gives.html

      Delete
  43. Please sir. I chose O.A.U as first choice while fuoye as second choice for jamb direct entry. Considering admission into Fuoye, does the school accept second choice candidate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. They don't. Read the post below for more explanation.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/01/choosing-universities-polytechnics-and.html

      Delete
  44. Sir
    I chose ABU Zaria as second choice but I want it to be my first choice... How can I go about that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You will do JAMB change of institutions when your result is out. Go to any CBT to do that. Read more through the link below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/05/change-of-institutionscourses-do-it.html

      Delete
  45. Can I use awaiting result for direct entry meanwhile I just want to upgrade UTME to direct and my school result is not yet out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can. Read better through the link below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/02/direct-entry-candidates-applying-with.html

      Delete
  46. Sir,is there any exams for direct entry students I.e do they write exams separately set by jamb bodies?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. Except f their proposed universities will conduct post DE exams e.g. UNLORIN, FUTA. Read better through the link below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/03/do-direct-entry-de-applicants-have-to.html

      Delete
  47. Am an art student, I have d7 in government and I want to study mass com, is it possible

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Read the post below to have some clues about that.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/11/best-art-courses-that-need-no.html

      Delete
    2. Please sir can I choose affiliated school as my first choice because am an nce holder but want to apply for jamb utme and then upgrade it to direct entry

      Delete
  48. Sir please is it a must that someone will put the same course she put in jamb for direct entry please

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a must. The course must be the same across the board.

      Delete
    2. Sir, can i combine two o level result for Aau…and do they provide admission for non Indegenes

      Delete
    3. Sir pls I have problem with state in my nin can I Register for jamb like that…or I’m I allowed to use my parents nin

      Delete
  49. Sir,pls can I put the same University as first and second choice

    ReplyDelete
  50. Pls sir can I choose school of health information management uch Ibadan as my first choice

    ReplyDelete
  51. Sir, I made OOU as my first choice so I want to confirm that if After writing the post UTME exam for OOU can I make UI my first choice since the exam dates are about two months apart and it won't affect OOU as my previous first choice

    ReplyDelete
  52. Please can choice of institutions affect the kind of questions jamb select for me?
    As in, if am applying in a high competitive institute.

    ReplyDelete

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