Universities That Accept Second Choice: 2025 Complete Guide

Introduction

Students frequently think about attending a “second choice” institution due to the difficulty of navigating the higher education system. These universities offer significant significance in fostering personal development and intellectual achievement, despite initially being viewed as a fallback option. 

This blog examines a list of universities that accept the second choice. Accepting a university that honours second-choice preferences gives students the freedom to take advantage of unanticipated possibilities, promote personal growth, and ultimately find the way to a meaningful and gratifying educational experience.

Factors To Consider For A Second-Choice University

To guarantee a successful and rewarding academic experience, several important elements should be taken into account while selecting universities that accept the second choice. Before making this crucial choice, consider the following critical factors:

1. Assess whether the university’s location fits your needs and preferences in terms of proximity and location. Take into account elements like the temperature, the location (urban or rural) and the distance to family and friends.
2. Confirm that the university provides a wide selection of academic programs and majors that match your interests and professional goals. Verify whether the university offers the tools and assistance you’ll need to succeed in your chosen sector.
3. Investigate the university’s standing in terms of reputation and accreditation. High academic standards are upheld by accredited schools, guaranteeing that your degree
4. Understand the cost of attendance, which includes accommodation costs, tuition fees,  travel expenses, etc. To find out if attending the university fits your budget, you can research about the scholarships, grants or loans offered by the university.
5. To assess the overall facilities and the academic environment of the university, you must visit the campus at least once. Get to know the support services like counselling, placements, extracurricular activities so that your educational experience improves.
6. Getting Advice from College Advisors or Counselors: Consult college advisers or counsellors that may offer insightful advice on where to look for institutions that best suit your academic and personal objectives.
7. To get first-hand opinions on the institutions you’re considering, interact with current students or alumni on social media or networking sites.

List Of Universities That Accept Second Choice (Nigeria)

Here is a compiled list of Nigerian universities that accept second-choice 2023 candidates for admission:

Federal Universities That Accept Second Choice

• Federal University, Oye Ekiti
• Federal University, Lokoja
• Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State
• Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
• Federal University Dutsema, Kastina State
• Federal University Gashua, Yobe State
• Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State
• Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State
• Federal University Kashere, Gombe State
• Federal University Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State
• Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State
• Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
• University of Maiduguri, Borno State

List Of State Universities that Accept Second Choice

• Abia State University, Uturu, Abia
• Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa
• Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot-Akpaden, Akwa Ibom
• Anambra State University, Uli, Anambra
• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi

Private Universities That Accept Second Choice

• Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
• The American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa
• Modibo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa
• Obong University, Obong, Ntak Akwa-Ibom
• Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
• Paul University, Awka, Anambra
• Tansian University, Oba, Anambra State
• University of Mkar, Gboko, Benue State
• Novena University, Ogume, Delta State
• Western Delta University, Ogbara, Delta State
• Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State

Why Do Most Universities Reject Second Choice Candidates?

Even if you score well in the post-UTME and UTME exams, universities may still not consider you. Let’s understand why and how you can avoid some common mistakes:

• They assume you have already chosen a better university as your first choice.
• Universities want students who are fully committed, not undecided or unsure.
• Many universities have limited space and prioritize first-choice candidates.
• After accepting first-choice students, there is usually no room for second-choice applicants in UTME, JUPEB, IJMB, DE, and other admission programs.

Pros And Cons Of Universities That Accept Second Choice

Following are some advantages and disadvantages of the universities that accept second-choice candidates:

5 Tips for Good Second-Choice University Experience

1. Utilise The Opportunities and Resources Available: Consider extracurricular activities, events, clubs and sports as a valuable chance to make the most out of your time at the university.
2. Get Involved in Campus Activities and Organisations: Take part in extracurricular activities for personal development, skills, and build a sense of belonging.
3. Build Relationships with Professors and Advisors: Create strong connections with faculty and advisors, as they can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your academic journey.
4. Take Advantage of Career Services and Internships: Utilize career services to explore career paths, attend workshops, and seek internships to gain practical experience.  This increases your chances of getting the best jobs globally.
5. Maintain a Positive Mindset and Focus on Personal Growth: Stay optimistic, face challenges, and prioritise personal development for a fulfilling university experience.

Conclusion

Universities that accept the second choice might result in extraordinary academic and personal improvement chances. Whether it was their first choice or not, students may have a meaningful and successful experience at their chosen university by making the most of the facilities, becoming involved in campus events, and developing good connections with academics.

FAQs

1. Does Rivers State University accept the second choice?

Rivers State University do not usually accept second-choice candidates. However, Akungba-Akoko, the main campus of Adekunle Ajasin University, has been known to accept second-choice candidates in the past. 

2. Is applying to 5 universities enough?

Applying to 5 universities can be a reasonable number, but it depends on individual preferences and the competitiveness of the selected programs. Though some experts advise applying as many as 15, most experts advise students to submit four to eight applications. 

3. Does Akungba accept the second choice?

Akungba, the main campus of Adekunle Ajasin University, has been known to accept second-choice candidates in the past. 

4. Does Olabisi Onabanjo University accept the second choice?

Olabisi Onabanjo University and Lead City University do not typically accept second-choice candidates.

5. What is the lowest admission rate?

Between 6% and 12% is the lowest acceptance percentage institutions have been seen to enforce. Colleges in Washington, D.C., have the lowest acceptance rate, with UCLA and Dartmouth College being the only public universities with this low rate.

Thank you for taking the time to read the article “Universities that accept a second choice”. If you’re interested in exploring more about universities, we encourage you to continue reading similar articles below –

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