Choosing a course in university is one of the most important decisions a student makes, but it doesn’t always go as planned. At first, it may be hard to decide whether to go for a change of course for sure or not but believe me, the moment you grasp the feeling, just go for it.
Remember, you can also change your course after admission. Just understand the steps required, why students change their courses and the impact of course transfers.
Many students find themselves feeling disconnected from their chosen program and start looking for a way to switch to something that better aligns with their passions and strengths. If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone, and this guide is for you!
The Ultimate Guide for Change of Course in Nigerian Universities
Here, we’ll walk you through how to change your course in Nigerian universities, making sure you understand the process, requirements, and what to expect. Let’s make sure you find the path that truly suits you.
1. Know When You Can Apply for a Course Change
Timing is everything. Most Nigerian universities enable students to change courses after the first academic session or at the start of their second year.
This offers you enough time to evaluate your current course and make an informed decision. However, certain universities have specific deadlines, so check with your school’s academic office early on.
Tip: Get your application ready as soon as you can. If you wait, you can lose out on open slots.
2. Check the CGPA Requirement
Your cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is one of the most important things that colleges consider. To be considered for a change of course, one must have an excellent academic record.
Depending on how competitive the new course is, institutions typically establish a minimum CGPA between 3.0 and 4.5 (on a 5-point scale). The threshold is frequently higher for programs with high demand, such as engineering, law, or medicine.
However, for some courses and institutions, transferring from a superior to an inferior course, the minimum CGPA required for a change of course is above probation which is normally around 1.5 – 2.0.
Advice: At least a 3.5 CGPA is perfect for aiming superior courses, but keep in mind that you might need to be in the top academic the upper levels for really competitive courses.
3. Ensure You Meet the Subject Requirements
Switching courses isn’t just about your CGPA, it’s also about having the right academic background. Universities require that your O’Level and UTME subjects align with the new course. For example:
- If you’re moving from an Arts course to Science, you’ll need to have passed subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics.
- Similarly, transitioning to courses like Economics or Accounting requires credits in Mathematics and Economics at the secondary level.
Quick Check: Before applying, make sure your subject combination fits your desired course to avoid any surprises.
4. Prepare for Limited Slots
There is still the problem of restricted slots even if you fulfill all the academic requirements. There are typically very limited spots available for transfer students in such courses as medicine, law, and pharmacy.
This indicates that there may be too much competition for even qualified candidates to switch.
Heads up: Have a backup plan ready. If your first-choice course isn’t available, consider alternative programs that align with your interests.
5. Understand the Approval Process
Changing your course involves more than just filling out a form. You’ll need approval from multiple levels:
- First, your current department must agree to release you.
- Next, the head of the department you wish to join will review your application, which might include an interview or further assessment.
- Finally, the university senate or a central academic committee will give the final approval.
Tips: Establish a good relationship with your academic advisor, they can offer guidance and support throughout the process.
6. Be Aware of Fees and Additional Costs
Most institutions ask students to pay a nonrefundable administrative fee for a change of course. The charge might range from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000, depending on the institution.
You may also need to budget for any additional academic materials or courses that you must complete in your new degree.
Tip: Check with your school’s administrative office to get a clear idea of the fees involved.
7. Alternatives if Your Course Change Isn’t Approved
What if your application isn’t successful? Don’t worry, there are still ways to pursue your passion:
- Take another UTME: You can sit for another JAMB examination and select the desired course as a fresh student.
- Inter-University Transfer: If your current university doesn’t offer the flexibility you need, consider transferring to another university that does.
- Direct Entry: After completing your current program, you can apply for Direct Entry into your desired course at the same or a different university.
Bonus: Direct Entry is a popular option for students who want to switch after completing a diploma or similar qualification.
General Procedures for a Change of Course in Nigerian Universities
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the general procedures for a change of course in Nigerian universities:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Before anything else, ensure you’re eligible to apply for a course change. Generally, you must:
- Be in your second year or at the start of the second semester of the first year.
- Have completed at least one academic session in your current course.
- Meet the minimum CGPA requirement, typically between 2.0 and 4.5 depending on the course and university.
Step 2: Confirm Subject Requirements
Check that your O’Level and UTME subject combinations align with the new course you want to transfer to. If not, you might need to take supplementary exams or reconsider your course choice.
Step 3: Obtain the Change of Course Form
Go to your university’s registrar’s office or academic unit to collect the official change of course application form. In some universities, this can also be done online through the school portal. Ensure you read the instructions carefully.
Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee
Most institutions charge a non-refundable fee for processing course change applications. The amount usually ranges between ₦5,000 and ₦20,000. Pay the fee at designated banks or through the university’s payment platform.
Step 5: Submit the Completed Form
Fill out the form with all the required details, including:
- Your current course and department.
- The course you want to switch to.
- Your academic results (CGPA) and personal details. Submit the completed form along with supporting documents, such as your O’Level and UTME results, to the academic office or department concerned.
Step 6: Obtain Departmental and Faculty Approval
Once submitted, your application will need approval from both:
- The head of your current department (to release you from the course).
- The head of the new department (to accept you into the new program). These approvals are crucial and may include a brief interview or assessment.
Step 7: Await Faculty Board and Senate Review
Your application will then proceed to the Faculty Board of the new department for further review, and finally, to the University Senate for final approval. This process can take a few weeks, depending on the institution’s schedule.
Step 8: Check for Approval and Notification
Once your application is processed, the university will notify you of the decision, usually via the school portal, notice boards, or the registrar’s office. If successful, you will receive a notification allowing you to officially change your course.
Step 9: Adjust Your Academic Schedule
After approval, you’ll need to adjust your academic timetable to fit the new course. You may be required to retake certain courses or sit for examinations that are core to your new program, especially if your previous coursework doesn’t fully transfer.
Step 10: Re-register for Courses
Finally, you’ll need to re-register for the appropriate courses in your new department. This step ensures you’re fully integrated into the new program for the upcoming session.
Change of Course Through Jamb
The process for changing your course or institution through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria is relatively straightforward and is done online via the JAMB portal. Below are the steps:
Steps for Changing Course Through JAMB Portal
1. Visit the JAMB Portal
- Go to the official JAMB website: www.jamb.gov.ng
- Log in to your JAMB profile using your email and password.
2. Access the Change of Course/Institution Section
- Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Correction of Data’ option on your dashboard.
- Select ‘Change of Course/Institution’ from the available options.
3. Choose the Change Option
- You will be presented with options to either change your course or institution (or both).
- Select ‘Change of Course’.
4. Pay the Required Fee
- You will be required to pay a non-refundable fee for the change of course. As of recent updates, this fee is ₦2,500. Payment can be made online using the options available (e.g., Remita).
5. Select New Course
- After payment, you’ll be directed to choose your preferred new course and institution (if applicable).
- Ensure that the new course is offered by your institution and that your UTME/O’Level subjects meet the requirements for the new course.
6. Submit and Print Acknowledgement Slip
- After filling in the required details, click ‘Submit’.
- Print your acknowledgment slip as proof of the change. This document will serve as confirmation of the new course selection.
7. Wait for Approval
- After submission, the change request will be processed, and the new course details will be updated on your profile.
Things to Note:
- Number of Changes Allowed: You can only perform the change of course a limited number of times (usually once or twice, depending on JAMB’s current policies).
- O’Level Requirements: Ensure that the O’Level subjects required for your new course are correctly uploaded and match the requirements for your new program.
- Timing: The change of course process should be completed before admission lists are finalized. Be sure to act promptly when JAMB opens the correction window.
This process is applicable for students who either want to change their course before admission or those who have already gained admission but wish to change their course after considering various factors.
Conclusion
Changing a course in Nigerian universities is not a straightforward process and involves meeting strict academic, procedural, and institutional requirements.
Whether you’re driven by passion, a change in career goals, or the desire to find a course that challenges and excites you, remember that this decision is part of your academic growth. Students should carefully assess their eligibility, prepare all necessary documents, and apply within the specified time frames.
Though the process may seem challenging, it can be a valuable step toward aligning one’s academic journey with long-term career goals. Stay informed, meet the requirements, and trust the process, soon, you’ll be on the path that feels right for you.
