Many Nigerian universities accept O’level results from two sittings (for example, you can combine a WAEC result with a NECO or GCE result). This page explains what “two sittings” means, how to combine results, how to confirm a university’s rule, and the safest way to apply without losing your chance at admission.
Why this matters
Thousands of candidates sit WAEC and NECO each year. Sometimes a student gets a mix of credits across two sittings (for example: credit in Maths in NECO, credit in English in WAEC). Knowing which universities accept two sittings — and how they expect you to present your combined results — is essential for admission success.
What does “two sittings” mean?
“Two sittings” (also called “two sittings option” or “two-sitting”) means you are allowed to use O’level results from two different examination sittings (for example: WAEC 2024 + NECO 2025) to meet the O’level requirements for admission. This is accepted by many schools and by JAMB when you register your UTME and CAPs profile — but schools differ in how strictly they apply it.
Can JAMB accept two sittings?
Yes — JAMB generally allows candidates to combine O’level results from two sittings when registering for UTME and uploading results to CAPS. However, acceptance at the university level can vary. Always confirm each university’s policy (see verification steps below).
Common categories of schools that accept two sittings
While policies change, these are common patterns:
- Most federal universities typically accept two sittings for most courses — but check course-specific rules.
- Many state universities accept two sittings, though some professional courses may demand single-sitting results.
- Many private universities accept two sittings but often have their own specific admission rules or remedial entry options.
- Polytechnics and colleges of education are generally flexible and commonly accept two sittings.
Example schools you can start checking (verify each one)
The lists below are common examples — use them as starting points for verification. Always check the school’s current admission guide or contact the admissions office directly before applying.
Federal universities (examples)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
State universities (examples)
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Ondo State University of Science & Technology (examples)
- Rivers State University (RSU)
Private universities & polytechnics (examples)
- Covenant University
- Pan-Atlantic University
- Private polytechnics — many accept two sittings depending on the course
Important: The above lists are examples to help you start. University rules change often — always confirm using the steps below.
How to verify if a university accepts two sittings (step-by-step)
- Visit the university admissions page — look for the most recent admission brochure (it usually includes O’level requirement rules). Example URL structure:
university.edu.ng/admissions.
- Search the admission brochure or FAQ for “two sittings”, “two-sitting”, “O’level combination”, or “O’level requirement”.
- Use the admission portal — some portals show allowed options while you fill the application form.
- Contact admissions directly — call or email the admissions office and ask: “Can I use results from two examinations (e.g., WAEC + NECO) for admission to [course name]?”
- Check JAMB CAPS instructions — if a university uses JAMB CAPS for admission offers, JAMB usually accepts two sittings. Still verify the university’s internal rule.
- Search university social channels or notice boards — universities sometimes post clarifications on Twitter, Facebook, or their notice board.
How to present combined results correctly
- Ensure names match exactly on both results (same order and spelling).
- Keep exam numbers and result printouts for both sittings — scanners or soft copies are useful.
- During JAMB registration or CAP upload, select the correct exam type and year for each subject if the portal allows (JAMB accepts two sittings in most cases).
- In your university application, follow the portal instructions — some portals ask you to upload each result separately.
Three reliable solutions if you're missing a credit (short & practical)
- Combine WAEC 2025 result with NECO 2025 or a previous WAEC/NECO/NABTEB result where you had the missing credit. Many schools accept two sittings when correctly documented.
- Register for WAEC GCE second series or NECO GCE to rewrite the subject(s) and obtain the required credit quickly.
- Ask the school to accept an awaiting result if their policy allows — write formally to the admissions office and supply the final result once you pass the next sitting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Uploading mismatched names or wrong exam numbers — this causes rejection.
- Assuming all courses accept two sittings — some professional courses (certain Medicine or Engineering programs) prefer single-sitting results.
- Missing deadlines — always check the application and result upload windows.
How to apply using two sittings — a practical checklist
Use this checklist before applying:
- Confirm the university accepts two sittings for your chosen course.
- Gather printouts or scanned copies of both O’level results.
- Make sure your JAMB profile is complete and, if required, shows combined O’level results correctly.
- When filling the university application, indicate both results where the form allows and upload both documents.
- If in doubt, attach a short cover letter (PDF) explaining your two-sitting combination and reference the relevant admission brochure or email from the admissions office that permits two sittings.
Sample email template to confirm two-sitting acceptance
Subject: Clarification on Acceptance of Two-Sitting O’level Results for [Course Name]
Dear Admissions Officer,
I hope this message finds you well. I am preparing to apply for [Course Name] for the 2025/2026 session. I would like to confirm if the university accepts O’level results from two sittings (for example, WAEC 2024 + NECO 2025).
If yes, could you please confirm any special requirements for uploading or presenting combined results?
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
FAQs
Q: Does combining two sittings affect my JAMB score?
A: No — your JAMB UTME score remains the same. Combining two sittings only concerns O’level (WAEC, NECO) subject credits needed for admission.
Q: What if the names on my two results are slightly different?
A: This may cause problems. Try to correct the name with the examination council (WAEC/NECO) or provide official documentation to explain the variation. Always align names where possible before applying.
Q: Can I use WAEC GCE or NECO GCE to replace a failed WAEC subject?
A: Yes. Many candidates rewrite failed subjects in GCE exams (WAEC GCE or NECO GCE) and use those credits together with other O’level results for admission.
Q: Does every department in a university accept two sittings?
A: Not always. Some professional courses or highly competitive departments (e.g., some medical programs) may prefer single-sitting credits. Always confirm with the specific department or admissions office.
Useful links & internal resources
Conclusion — be proactive and document everything
If you don’t yet have all the credits you need, don’t panic. Combine valid results, register for GCE if needed, or apply with an awaiting result when allowed — but always document every step. Keep printouts, emails, and screenshots of any acceptance or guidance from an admissions office. These documents help if your application is questioned during verification.
Need help verifying a specific university? Tell me the school name and course, and I’ll check the latest admission brochure or admissions contacts and add it to the post.
