Yes, you can use two sittings for admission into many Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions. However, whether your admission will be accepted depends on the school, course, and the type of O’Level results you are combining.
Many students worry about this because they may not have obtained all the required credits in one examination. Fortunately, several institutions in Nigeria allow candidates to combine results from two different examination sittings.
What Does “Two Sittings” Mean?
“Two sittings” simply means combining O’Level results from two separate examinations to meet admission requirements.
For example, a student may have:
- English and Mathematics in one result
- Other required subjects in another result
The student can combine both results during admission processing.
Common examinations used include:
- West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
- National Examinations Council (NECO)
- National Business and Technical Examinations Board (Nigerian technical examination board)
Examples of Accepted Two-Sitting Combinations
Most schools accept combinations such as:
- WAEC + WAEC
- WAEC + NECO
- NECO + NECO
- WAEC + GCE
- NECO + GCE
Some institutions also accept:
- NABTEB + NABTEB
However, some universities do not allow mixing NABTEB with WAEC or NECO.
Why Students Use Two Sittings
Students combine results for several reasons, including:
1. Missing Required Subjects
A student may fail or miss a subject like Mathematics or English in the first exam.
2. Improving Grades
Some students rewrite certain subjects to improve their grades.
3. Competitive Courses
Courses like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Law often require strong O’Level grades.
4. Examination Challenges
Issues such as illness, examination malpractice accusations, or poor preparation can affect one sitting.
Do Universities Accept Two Sittings?
Yes, many universities in Nigeria accept two sittings.
These include:
- Federal universities
- State universities
- Private universities
However, acceptance varies depending on:
- The institution
- The course applied for
- The competitiveness of the department
Courses That Commonly Accept Two Sittings
Many courses accept two sittings without serious issues, especially:
- Education courses
- Agricultural courses
- Arts and humanities
- Social sciences
- Business administration
- Political science
- Sociology
- Linguistics
- History
- Library science
Polytechnics and colleges of education are generally more flexible with two sittings.
Courses That May Not Accept Two Sittings
Some competitive professional courses may require one sitting in certain schools.
Examples include:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Law
Even when two sittings are accepted, schools may give preference to candidates with one sitting and stronger grades.
Difference Between One Sitting and Two Sittings
| One Sitting | Two Sittings |
|---|---|
| All required subjects obtained in one exam | Subjects combined from two exams |
| Preferred by competitive schools | Accepted by many institutions |
| Better for competitive courses | Useful for students missing subjects |
| Stronger admission advantage | Slightly less competitive in some cases |
Can I Combine WAEC and NECO?
Yes. WAEC and NECO combinations are widely accepted in Nigeria.
For example:
- WAEC English + NECO Mathematics
- WAEC sciences + NECO remaining subjects
Many universities allow this combination.
Can I Combine NABTEB With WAEC or NECO?
This depends on the institution.
Some schools:
- Accept NABTEB alone
- Accept NABTEB + NABTEB
But many universities do not allow:
- NABTEB + WAEC
- NABTEB + NECO
Always verify the admission requirements of your chosen institution before applying.
Important Requirements for Two Sittings
To use two sittings successfully, you must:
1. Have Five Relevant Credits
Most institutions require:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Three other relevant subjects
2. Use Only Two Results
Most schools do not accept more than two sittings.
3. Upload Results Properly
Upload all results correctly on the JAMB CAPS Portal and your school portal.
4. Meet Departmental Requirements
Some departments require specific grades in certain subjects.
Does Two Sittings Affect Admission Chances?
Sometimes, yes.
For highly competitive courses, candidates with:
- One sitting
- Better grades
- Higher JAMB scores
may have an advantage.
However, many students gain admission every year using two sittings successfully.
Your admission depends more on:
- JAMB score
- O’Level grades
- Post-UTME performance
- Catchment area and quota system
- School requirements
Schools Known to Accept Two Sittings
Many Nigerian institutions accept two sittings, including several:
- Federal universities
- State universities
- Polytechnics
- Private universities
Examples often include institutions like:
- University of Lagos
- University of Benin
- Niger Delta University
- Federal University Otuoke
Policies may change yearly, so always confirm through the school’s latest admission guidelines.
Tips for Students Using Two Sittings
Aim for High JAMB Scores
A strong JAMB score can improve your chances significantly.
Choose Schools Wisely
Select institutions that clearly accept two sittings.
Avoid Errors During Upload
Ensure names, grades, and examination numbers match correctly.
Consider Less Competitive Courses
If your preferred course is highly competitive, you may consider related alternatives.
Stay Updated
Always follow updates from:
- Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
- Your chosen institution
Official JAMB website:
JAMB Official Portal
Final Thoughts
Using two sittings is completely acceptable in Nigeria for many courses and institutions. Thousands of students gain admission every year by combining WAEC, NECO, or other approved O’Level results.
The most important thing is to:
- Meet the school requirements
- Have the correct subject combinations
- Upload your results properly
- Score well in JAMB and Post-UTME
If you do not have all your credits in one sitting, do not panic. You still have many admission opportunities available.
