You can defer your admission to Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
Deferment of admission is the process of stepping down or revoking your studentship for one (1) or more academic sessions.
To defer admission means to initiate the application to not resume the academic session for a valid reason.
You can defer admission for one (1) to twenty (20) years.
All Nigerian universities allow applications for deferment of admission by undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Newly admitted students with their JAMB admission letters can defer their admission after completing their first-year clearance.
In this post, I will walk you through the procedures for deferment of your admission to UNN, UNILAG, UNICAL, OAU, UI, ABU Zaria, and other schools.
You can ask me any questions or make further inquiries using the comment box at the end of this post. I will love to hear from you.
Also, you will be interested in reading how to graduate with a first class.
Table of contents
Good Reasons to Defer Admission
Deferring your admission is a good idea if you have a valid reason why you cannot resume the academic session.
The reasons will be in your deferred admission letter, required for approval by your school registrar and admission office.
Here are a few valid reasons for the deferment of admission;
- Health Challenge
- Financial Crisis
- Pregnancy
- Lack of Academic Sponsor
- Employment
Health Challenge
An ill-health condition is a common reason why students defer their admission.
The rigours of tertiary education require sound health for students. It is the only way you can survive academic stress.
Students with poor health conditions must defer their admission till they get recovery.
Financial Crisis
Financial challenges for students are the inability to pay tuition fees, accommodation, and meet up with other expenses.
You must apply for deferment if you cannot pay for your education.
This period will allow you to pool resources to cater to your education.
Pregnancy
The event of pregnancy is a valid reason to defer your admission to your school.
It is optional because you can continue with school with your pregnancy.
But students who do not want to combine child-bearing with schooling can defer their admission.
Lack of Academic Sponsor
The lack of an academic sponsor is a valid reason to suspend your academics.
An academic sponsor is an individual that takes care of your financial obligations in school.
Your sponsor can be your parents, family members, etc.
Employment
Employment is a valid reason to put off your resumption for school.
Students who get employment during their academic programme can postpone their resumption.
Requirements to Defer Admission
Here are the documents for deferring your admission;
- JAMB Admission Letter
- Local Government Area (LGA) Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- School Fees Payment Receipt
- O’level Result (WAEC, NECO & NABTEB)
- Passport Photograph
- Student Biodata Form
Deferment of Admission Form
A deferment of admission form is a document you will get at your school admission or registrar’s office for the application.
You must fill out and submit this form to approve your admission postponement.
It is necessary to get your school’s official stamp on this form to indicate approval of your deferment.
Deferment Fee
A deferment fee is an amount you pay for the application process.
The money you will pay depends on your school. Some schools require that you generate the payment invoice on your school portal.
There are two payment methods;
- Online Payment
- Bank Deposit
How to Defer Admission
Here are the processes for deferment of admission;
- Pay your acceptance fee
- Generate school fees invoice
- Pay your school fees for the academic session
- Complete your first-year clearance
- Visit your head of department (HOD) office
- Inform your HOD you want to defer your admission
- Get the deferment application form from your faculty officer
- Fill out the form
- Write your deferment of admission letter
- Submit the deferment form and letter to your school registrar, faculty and department office.
- Wait for approval from your school admission office
Defer Admission Letter Sample
Here is a sample of how you can write a letter to defer university admission;
I, Olarewaju Blessing, a 100level student of Mass Communication at the Faculty of Arts, write to request for deferment of my admission for the 2026/2027 academic session.
My request for deferring my admission is because of my health challenges.
Attached to this letter are my Medical reports, approved by the university medical director.
Thanks for your anticipated assistance.
Application to Resume Academic Activities
You can resume school after deferring your admission by writing to your school.
In the letter, you will request to resume academic activities.
The letter will be reviewed and approved by your school registrar.
Frequently Asked Questions
To defer admission means to postpone or delay your acceptance of a university or polytechnic offer of admission to a later academic session.
The process for applying for deferment of admission varies across institutions. Still, generally, you will need to write an application letter to the institution’s admission office stating your reasons for deferring and the academic session you intend to defer to. Some institutions may require additional documentation or have a specific procedure for deferment.
No, not all reasons for deferment may be accepted by an institution. Some common acceptable reasons include health challenges, financial constraints, family issues, and personal development opportunities.
It is usually impossible to defer admission after the resumption as the academic session would have already commenced. Institutions usually have a deadline for deferment of admission before the commencement of the academic session.
Some institutions may require payment of a deferment fee or part of the school fees for the deferred academic session. It is advisable to check with the institution’s admission office for details on any fees or charges.
Institutions have different policies on multiple deferments, and it is advisable to check with the institution’s admission office for their policy. Some institutions may allow only one deferment, while others may allow multiple deferments with conditions.
Let me know if you have any questions about deferring your admission. I will answer your questions as soon as possible.
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Pls I need your whatsapp number I need your advice on this deferment issue
Hello,
Scroll to the bottom of this page to get my contact details.
please once a defer has been done can it be undone
Yes, Runo
You can retain your studentship anytime.
Please sir, if I defer admission for a semester will I have to do the exam back the second year sir like I mean will it be like I carry all the courses
No,
Deferring your admission is simply pausing your studentship.
You would not retake exams you have sat for.
Good day sir,
Please I got admitted to UniAbuja this July and I’ve done the screening, but was unable to pay the school fee, and presently now the portal has closed please can I defer the admission as well?
Regards.
Hello Adam,
Yes, you can defer your admission for an academic session.
Please I got admission into uniabuja onthe 16th June, 2023 and I did all the necessary evaluation but I was not able to my school and exam has already started and the portal has closed can still defer my admission
I just started first semester is it possible to defer my admission next semester
Yes, Junior
You can still defer your admission.
Hello am 300l student of aksu and I want to defere due to financial cries but I haven’t paid my fee so exam as started, can I still defer?
Hello Eyo,
Sorry about your financial challenges.
I advise you to speak to your course adviser. He will guide you on the best point of action.
Hello Olarewaju,
I just got admission into BSU but due to financial crisis I would like to defer my admission till next acedemic session. After my paying for the acceptance fees and other related charges, including first semester fees, what is the right time to request for deferment of admission?
And again must I have to register my courses for the first semester before applying for deferment of admission?
Hello Matthew,
Sorry about your financial challenges.
Now is the right time to apply for deferment of your admission. You would want to send in your deferment request in as soon as possible.
Concerning registering your courses, I advise you confirm from your course adviser as the policy in your school may be different.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Hi,
You said something about competing with other candidates for slots.
I’m a student of UI and we’re just done with our exams for 100 lvl…but I want to defer the admission.
With the statement above, would I have to compete with anybody for slots even when I have the requirements to resume for the 200 level academic session?
No, Michael,
You will not compete for admission slots when you defer your admission.
I’ve paid for acceptance fees,but not done clearance can i still defer my admission
Charles,
You have to complete your clearance process to defer your admission.
I have 3 questions which are
1. Can I defer my admission for 2years
2. If I defer my admission for 2years and decided to resume early than that’s it possible
3. My admission is for 2022/2023 session if am to defer for 2years does it mean am gonna resume 2024/2025 session
1. Yes, it is possible.
2. Yes, you can resume early.
3. 2024/2025 is the academic session for the next two years.
Feel free to ask any further questions.
I gained admission in eksu d deadline for payment of acceptance is due can i still defer d admission
Yes, Samuel
But you will need to pay your fees to deter your admission.
Can I defer a semester after they have finished exam and about entering another semester
Elizabeth,
Did you defer the admission before the exam?
Good Day Sir
I deferred my 300 level second semester due to some issues with my course registration in LASU. I’m about to resume 400level first semester would I still graduate at the end of 400 level or I would come back to do 300 level semester that a deferred before I can graduate.
If you have successfully deferred your 300 level second semester, then you should be able to resume your studies at the 400 level first semester. This means you will not have to repeat any part of your 300 level before graduating.
However, you must confirm this with your school’s academic adviser or the registrar’s office to be sure that you have fulfilled all the requirements for graduation.
They will be able to guide you on any additional steps that you may need to take to ensure that you graduate on time.
Can I defer a semester after they have finished exam and about entering another semester
Elizabeth,
Did you defer the admission before the exam?
What if I have paid fees and registered courses and exams are ongoing, can I still defer my studies?
Etuk,
It depends on your school.
But it should be possible.
Hi Sir
My name is Temitayo I just got admitted into Federal university Oye Ekiti and they have started exams already before I was given the admission is it wish for me to defer the admission cause I was given two options
1: To defer the admission.
2: To resume with the current set as 100 level second semester then I will have to take some of the 100 level first semester course and do it in100 level second semester,that I can take it bit by bit and do it for three different first semester 100 level
Hello Samuel,
Sorry about your late admission.
I recommend you defer the admission.
Taking 100 courses after your first year may be difficult as you will be preoccupied with your coursework.
It will be like you are sitting for carryovers which may not be easy to combine.
Have you done the deferment
Good day Mr, I left school 8 years ago with out writing deferment letter to the school because of financial crises I could not defend my project and now I want to defend my project will I write a resume letter or deferment letter to the school
Freda,
I will advise you to visit the HOD of your department to make further inquiries.
I wish you good luck.
please am in 200L and I want to defer the session due to late payment of fees and my school is now in second semester and exams will soon commence is it still possible?
And when i return do I have to continue with the 200L or with 300L then after am done with the actual year I will then go back to write the 200L exams?
Hello Blessing,
You must pay your fees to defer your admission.
After deferment, you will continue from your current level.
Hello sir
I got an addmission in to fedpolibali,and I want to defer the addmission for 1 year do to lack of sponsor and next week is there matriculation, can I register and join the ceremony of the matriculation with them, then defer my addmission please
Umar,
You will not need to participate in the ceremony since you intend to defer your admission.
Hi
My name is peter I just got admission into tasued and I’m supposed to resume middle of march buh my sponsor wants me to forfeit the admission
I’ve paid the necessary fees except school fee and accomodation
Can I also defer
Hello Peter,
Sorry, you have to defer your admission.
Yes, you can defer your admission.
Please I’m a 300l student in lasu can I defer my second semester because I had issues and what are the requirements??
Yes, it is possible.
Ask your HOD for the requirement.
Good day.
Pls is there a deadline for deferment in UNN for new students?
The deadline is before the matriculation ceremony.
Hello sir good Day
I differred for one session and now I want to resume back,is there any written application that I need to write again notifying the school or I can just resume my studies without notifying the school management?
Yes, James
You need to address a letter to your registrar and department about your intention to resume academic activities.
Let me know if you have further questions.
In regard to this answer given. If I defer a (first) semester, then, how am I going to go about it — would I join the current session in second semester? If yes, how am I going to cover up the semester I deferred?
Thank you, as you answer this. May God bless.
Hello Adekunle,
If you defer your admission after sitting for the first semester exam.
Then you can continue for the second semester after your deferment.
Pls sir can i defer my admission for year 1due to incomplete waec result
Joshua,
You can only defer your admission after your clearance.
Speak with the admission officer for your department for further assistance.
Hello sir. I’m a student of University of Nigeria Nsukka. I’m in my 200L now but I want to differ my admission once I’m done with this level (i.e before 300L) by 6/7 sections. Please is it possible? What are the procedures I’m to take if it’s possible?
Hello Peter,
Yes, it is possible to defer your admission after the current academic session.
The first step is to meet with your HOD or course adviser to declare your intention to differ your admission.
Then, you will write a letter to the university registrar to formally defer your admission.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Good day sir I have paid my acceptance fee and school fee but did not attach it to my different letter am I going to repay it next year
Samuel,
Did your school approve your deferment request?
Hello sir. I’m a student of University of Nigeria Nsukka. I’m in my 200L now but I want to differ my admission once I’m done with this level (i.e before 300L) by 6/7 sections. Please is it possible? What are the procedures I’m to take if it’s possible? I need your response please
Hello Peter,
Yes, it is possible to defer your admission after the current academic session.
The first step is to meet with your HOD or course adviser to declare your intention to differ your admission.
Then, you will write a letter to the university registrar to formally defer your admission.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Good day sir
first semester exams has already started ,is it still possible for me to pay my fees and defer my admission?
Martins,
You have to visit your department to get that information.
If I pay my school fees and acceptance fees and apply for deferment,will I pay them next year again?
Will I pay both or just one?
No, Paul
You will not pay school fees after your deferment.
If I’m defering due to financial crisis will the university contact my parents ( will they notify my parents) about the deferment?
No, Freya
The university will not contact your parents, except it is a private school.
Can I defer my admission for 8months after my 100lvl is over
Yes, Emmanuella,
It is possible.
Hi.
I’m a 200L student in T.S.U. And my school is planning on writing her first semester examination but I’ve not been able to pay my tuition fees.. and I’m thinking of deferring my admission…
Please,I want to know if it’ll be possible for me to defer my admission
Hello Perpetual,
Sorry about your financial challenges.
You must pay your fees to defer your admission.
Will I still spend the same year after I differed my admission or it will b an additional year?
Suppose I differed admission in 2016/2017 and the course is a 4 years course. I was suppose to end by 2020/2021. Will it be that same year [2020/2021] or another year?
You will not spend an extra year.
Your course of study remains four years.
That is eight (8) semesters.
How many semester or sessions can admission be deferred?
There is no specific number.
Will I still spend the same year I suppose to spend after I differed the admission ?
You will not spend an extra year.
Your course of study remains four years.
That is eight (8) semesters.
How many semester or session can admission be deferred?
There is no specific number.
Will it still be 2020/2021 session? Or wot year? Pls specify
Rephrase your question.
hello pls i couldn’t resume school after i had my baby but i wrote my 3rd semester exam before i had my baby…
i didn’t apply to defer my admission i just missed the session and now i want to repeat the session what do i do?
Hello Mrs. Seko
The first step will be to visit your department.
You will get guidance on how to renew your studentship.
Why do I still have to pay when I know I’m deferring due to lack of academic sponsor
Christiana,
It is requirement to pay your fees if you intend to defer your admission.
I referred admission for last school year, I wants to resume, how can I go by it?
Hello Jackson
Visit the Registrar’s office and HOD of your school to notify them you wish to resume academic activities.
You will get the procedures for resumption.
I wish you success in your academics.
Let me know if you have furhter questions.
Do I have to pay another reg fee after deferring when I resume?
No, Dan
No school fees since you already paid for it before your deferment.
I just got admission into Unizik
But there exams begin next month. If I defer my admission this semester, will I continue the next semester with others or I would start from the first semester?
Hello Somto,
No, you will start the next session. That is, you will drop by a year.
Good day sir. Please can I differ my admission in 300 level. I’m in my 200 level now and I want to differ my admission before 300 level. I want to know if it’s possible and if yes, what are the procedures? I’m a student in the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Please sir.
Hello Peter,
You can. You’ll have to pay a sum of money to defer it.
I’m looking to defer my admission by 3 years.
Is that possible?
And how can I do that?
Hello Gilda,
It is possible. You’ll have to apply for the deferral every year for those 3 years.
I differ my admission for a section and now planing to resume.
Can I resumes to year 2 and spill over the section I differ as Carry over.
Abayomi,
Not sure I completely understand your question.
After deferment of admission, you would resume your previous academic level.
If you differed your admission after getting admission to the university, you would resume for your first year.
Good morning, sir. Pls once I had paid both the school and acceptance fees with others and tender my deferment letter. Would I still need to repay them once I resumed?
No, Adedayo
You will not make those payments by the time you resume.
Good morning sir please i want to ask if i want to defer my admission as a as a 100lvl student and I’m done with clearance, must my name be on the matriculation list please
Yes, Becky
You can defer your admission. It is not compulsory for your name to be on the matriculation list.