An applicant thinking of switching to computer science at Ahmadu Bello University should first check whether the department has any admission places left. In a bulletin dated 3 November, the Zaria university listed computer science among 20 programmes whose quotas are full. The notice addresses candidates applying through UTME and Direct Entry.
The university asked candidates to stop switching into the listed programmes. Besides computer science, they include architecture, medicine, nursing sciences, pharmacy, civil engineering, accounting and mass communication. The registrar also advised candidates who have already undergone screening for a full programme but have yet to receive admission to consider appropriate alternatives with available places.
The bulletin does not give every applicant the same menu of alternatives. It matches subjects taken in the JAMB examination to programmes with space. For example, a row for English, biology, physics and chemistry includes fisheries and aquaculture, botany and zoology. A different row for English, mathematics, physics and chemistry includes several engineering programmes.
School-leaving results matter alongside that subject combination. The university says a deficiency in English Language prevents admission to any of its programmes. For deficiencies in other subjects, a separate table identifies possible programme changes based on both the O-level results and the subjects taken in the JAMB examination. An available place alone does not settle eligibility.
There is a separate instruction for applicants whom a faculty has recommended but whose admission cannot be processed because the O-level results have not been uploaded. The registrar specifically mentions Direct Entry candidates in this position. They should take care of the upload promptly at a JAMB computer-based test centre. The bulletin advises against using a roadside cybercafé for this step.
What it means for you. Read both pages of the university’s bulletin before changing a course. Find the exact subject combination you sat, check your O-level results and then check the proposed programme. A faculty recommendation still needs processing, and a suggested alternative is not an offer of admission.