How to Defer Your Admission to the Next Academic Session (A Simple Guide for Nigerian Students)
You finally saw “CONGRATULATIONS” on your JAMB CAPS. The joy is massive. You’ve probably told your parents, your pastor, and even that neighbour who said you wouldn’t make it.
But then, reality hits.
Maybe the school fees are choking your parents right now. Maybe you have a serious health challenge. Or perhaps you just realized you aren’t mentally ready to resume. Now you are stuck asking: Can I keep this slot but start school next year?
The answer is yes. But it is not automatic.
Knowing how to defer your admission to the next academic session is a lifesaver for many Nigerian students, but if you miss one step, you could lose the admission entirely. I’ve seen students lose their hard-earned slots because they assumed “deferment” just meant not showing up.
That’s a fast way to forfeit your admission.
Let me walk you through exactly how to do this the right way, so you don’t fall into the trap of losing your spot.
What Does “Deferment of Admission” Actually Mean?
Think of it like booking a flight.
You have the ticket (the admission), but you can’t fly on the scheduled date. Instead of cancelling the ticket and losing your money, you ask the airline to move your flight to a later date.
When you defer admission, you are telling the university: “I want this slot, I value this offer, but I cannot resume lectures this year. Please keep my name on the list for next year.”
It is a formal agreement. It is not something you do by word of mouth.
The Golden Rule: You Cannot Defer What You Haven’t Accepted
Here is the biggest mistake I see students make.
You cannot defer an admission you have not claimed. If you see the admission on the portal and just ignore it hoping to resume next year, the school will assume you rejected the offer.
To qualify for deferment, you must first become a student of that school legally.
Step-by-Step: How to Defer Your Admission
Every school in Nigeria—whether it’s UNILAG, ABU Zaria, or a private university—has its own specific timeline. However, the general procedure is almost identical across the board.
Here is what you need to do.
1. Accept the Admission on JAMB CAPS
This is step one. Go to the JAMB e-Facility portal, login, and click “Accept.” If you don’t do this, the school cannot even process you as their student.
2. Pay the Acceptance Fee
I know, money is often the reason people want to defer. But here is the tough part: Most schools will not allow you to defer unless you have paid the acceptance fee.
Why?
The acceptance fee is your proof of commitment. It tells the school, “I am serious about this.” If you are looking for cheaper options because the fees are too high, you might want to check out our guide on the most affordable private university in Abuja. But if you want to stay in your current school, you must find a way to pay that acceptance fee first.
3. Complete the Online Registration (Partial)
Some schools require you to do the online clearance and generate a matriculation number before you can apply for deferment. Check your specific school’s fresher’s guide for this.
4. Write the Application Letter
You need to write a formal letter directed to the Registrar of the institution.
Don’t send a text. Don’t send a casual email. This is a formal academic request.
Your letter should include:
-
Your Full Name.
-
Your JAMB Registration Number.
-
The Department/Course you were admitted to.
-
The specific reason why you need to defer (be honest).
-
Evidence of acceptance fee payment (attach the receipt).
Valid Reasons Schools Accept
Universities are not obligated to grant your request. They do it on compassionate grounds. This means your reason must be solid.
Commonly accepted reasons include:
-
Financial Constraints: Be honest if funding is the issue.
-
Health Issues: If you have a medical report, attach it. As we often say, health is better than wealth, and schools understand that a sick student cannot study effectively.
-
Family Emergencies: Serious situations that require your presence at home.
Don’t use flimsy excuses like “I just want to rest” or “I want to travel for a bit.” That won’t fly with a Nigerian Registrar.
The Risks You Must Know
Deferment sounds like a safety net, but it has holes.
First, it is not always approved. The Senate of the university has the final say. If they reject your request and the resumption window closes, you might lose that admission.
Second, admission policies change. The requirements for your department this year might change next year. Usually, deferred students are safe, but it’s something to keep in mind.
If you end up losing the slot and need to start over, don’t panic. You can always check the list of universities that accept 140 cut-off mark to see easier entry options for the next session.
Conclusion
Deferring admission is a smart move if you are truly stuck, but it requires immediate action. Don’t wait until the semester has gone halfway.
If you are sure you can’t resume, go to the school’s admissions office or student affairs unit this week. Ask for their specific deferment form.
It’s better to delay your start by one year and graduate well, than to rush in, struggle, and drop out.
Have you ever tried to defer admission or know someone who did? How did the process go for them? Let me know in the comments—it might help someone else reading this!
