Common JAMB Admission Mistakes Candidates Must Avoid

Common JAMB Admission Mistakes Candidates Must Avoid

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students score high marks in UTME but still fail to gain admission.
The reason is often not poor performance, but avoidable JAMB admission mistakes.

Admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions is coordinated by
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board,
and its admission system is strictly rule-based.

In this guide, ALPHAYEM EDUCATIONAL CONSULT explains the most common JAMB admission mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Wrong UTME Subject Combination

This is the most common and most deadly admission mistake.
Many candidates choose UTME subjects without confirming whether they match their intended course and O’Level results.

Examples include:

• Applying for Law without Literature-in-English
• Applying for Engineering without Physics or Chemistry
• Choosing Biology in UTME without Biology credit in O’Level

👉 Result: Automatic disqualification during screening.

Learn more in our detailed guide on UTME Subject Combination and O’Level Requirements.

2. Choosing a Course You Are Not Qualified For

Some candidates select courses based on prestige, peer pressure, or parental influence rather than qualification.

Highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering have very strict requirements.

👉 Result: “NOT QUALIFIED” status even with high UTME scores.

3. Ignoring O’Level Requirements

UTME alone does not secure admission. O’Level results are equally important.

Common O’Level mistakes include:

• Missing compulsory subjects
• Insufficient number of credits
• Wrong subject combination
• Poor grades in core subjects

👉 Result: Rejection during post-UTME or departmental screening.

4. Using Awaiting Result Carelessly

Awaiting result is allowed, but it is risky if not handled properly.

Many candidates:

• Choose UTME subjects they later fail in O’Level
• Forget to upload results on JAMB CAPS
• Upload incomplete results

👉 Result: Admission withheld or cancelled.

5. Failure to Upload O’Level Results on JAMB CAPS

Some candidates pass UTME and post-UTME but never receive admission because their O’Level results were not uploaded correctly.

👉 Result: “Admission Not Given” on CAPS.

Always confirm upload at an accredited CBT centre.

6. Not Monitoring JAMB CAPS Regularly

JAMB CAPS is where admission decisions are made.

Mistakes include:

• Not checking CAPS regularly
• Failing to accept or reject admission
• Ignoring transfer approval requests

👉 Result: Admission offer expires.

7. Missing Post-UTME or Screening Registration

Some candidates assume UTME alone is enough.

If you miss post-UTME or screening:

• Your application will not be processed
• Your UTME score becomes irrelevant

8. Applying to Only One Highly Competitive Institution

Depending on only one top institution is risky due to limited quotas and high competition.

👉 Result: No admission at all.

Consider strategic alternatives or backup institutions.

9. Improper Acceptance of Admission

Admission is not complete until all steps are done.

Common mistakes include:

• Accepting admission on school portal but not on CAPS
• Delaying acceptance
• Failing to print admission letter

10. Relying on Rumours and Social Media Advice

Many candidates rely on WhatsApp groups and unverified sources.

This leads to misinformation such as:

• “Any subject combination is accepted”
• “High UTME score guarantees admission”

👉 Result: Costly admission errors.

Official References (Outbound Links)

• Official JAMB Website
  
• JAMB CAPS Portal
  

Final Advice from Alphayem Educational Consult

Most JAMB admission failures are caused by wrong decisions, not poor performance.

Always:

• Confirm UTME and O’Level requirements
• Monitor CAPS regularly
• Seek professional guidance when unsure

Visit our Admission Counselling Page
for expert support and guidance.