Every year, thousands of Nigerian students prepare, pray, and struggle to secure admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Some write JAMB multiple times, some score very high, while others barely meet the cut-off. But when the final admission list comes out, the painful reality is that not everyone gets admitted.
Why? 🤔
The truth is that many students lose admission not because they are not intelligent, but because of small mistakes that could have been avoided. If you are an admission seeker in the 2025/2026 academic session, this report will open your eyes to the common errors students make and what you can do differently to ensure your name appears on the admission list this year.
⚠️ 1. Failure to Upload O’Level Results to JAMB CAPS
This is the number one reason many students lose admission. Even with a JAMB score of 300+, if your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB result is not uploaded to JAMB CAPS, you cannot be considered for admission. JAMB uses the uploaded result to verify that you meet the subject requirements for your course.
👉 Tip for Students: Visit a JAMB-accredited CBT center, upload your O’Level result immediately, and confirm it on your CAPS portal. Don’t assume — always double-check.
⚠️ 2. Wrong Subject Combination
Imagine a student who wants to study Law but didn’t write Literature-in-English, or a student who wants to study Medicine but left out Biology. Mistakes like this automatically disqualify you, no matter your score.
👉 Tip for Students: Always check the official JAMB Brochure before choosing subjects. If you’re not sure, ask a teacher, guidance counselor, or research online.
⚠️ 3. Applying to the Wrong Institution or Course
Every school has its own level of competition. For example, Medicine in UNILAG or UNN requires very high scores. A student with 220 applying there will likely not stand a chance.
👉 Tip for Students: Be realistic. Research cut-off marks and apply to schools/courses where your score fits.
⚠️ 4. Low Post-UTME Performance
Some students do well in JAMB but fail to prepare for Post-UTME. Since many schools combine JAMB and Post-UTME scores, poor performance can knock you out.
👉 Tip for Students: Don’t relax after JAMB. Get past questions and practice for Post-UTME early.
⚠️ 5. Missing Deadlines
It’s common to see students crying because they missed the deadline for Post-UTME registration, change of institution, or screening. Unfortunately, no school reopens registration once the portal closes.
👉 Tip for Students: Always follow official school updates and set reminders for deadlines.
⚠️ 6. Wrong or Incomplete Documents
Admission screening is not just about scores. Schools check your documents too. Issues like:
- Different names on your WAEC and JAMB result.
- Missing birth certificate.
- No local government certificate.
…can lead to disqualification.
👉 Tip for Students: Gather your documents early. Make sure your names match, and prepare photocopies.
⚠️ 7. Not Accepting Admission on JAMB CAPS
Some students actually get admitted but don’t check their JAMB CAPS regularly. If you don’t click “Accept Admission”, JAMB may withdraw the offer.
👉 Tip for Students: Check your CAPS regularly and accept admission immediately.
⚠️ 8. Ignoring Change of Course/Institution Advice
Sometimes schools transfer students to another course because of competition. If you don’t apply for a change of course on JAMB, your admission won’t be validated.
👉 Tip for Students: Be flexible. If the school suggests another course, quickly do a change of course on CAPS.
⚠️ 9. Ignoring Catchment Area Policy
Admission in Nigeria is not only based on merit. Schools also consider catchment areas and ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States). Some students with lower scores may get admitted because they are from the catchment states, while others miss out.
👉 Tip for Students: Understand your school’s admission policy. If your score is low, apply to a school where you have catchment advantage.
⚠️ 10. Relying on Rumors and Wrong Information
Many students lose admission because they depend on rumors from friends instead of following official school or JAMB announcements. Some even fall for admission scams.
👉 Tip for Students: Get updates only from your school’s official website, JAMB portal, or trusted education blogs.
🧾 Final Tips to Secure Your Admission
- Upload your O’Level result on time.
- Double-check your documents.
- Prepare well for Post-UTME.
- Don’t miss deadlines.
- Always monitor your JAMB CAPS.
- Stay informed through official sources.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I gain admission without uploading O’Level results?
👉 No. Without uploading your result, JAMB cannot process your admission.
Q2: What if my name is different on my WAEC and JAMB result?
👉 You’ll need a sworn affidavit from a court to correct it before screening.
Q3: Can I gain admission with two O’Level sittings?
👉 Yes, but not for all courses. Medicine, Nursing, and Law often require one sitting only.
Q4: What happens if I don’t accept admission on CAPS?
👉 Your admission will be canceled and another student may take the slot.
Q5: Is it possible to change course after writing JAMB?
👉 Yes, you can apply for a Change of Course/Institution on the JAMB portal, but you must do it before your school processes admission.
🎯 Conclusion
Admission is not just about passing JAMB — it’s about avoiding mistakes that can cost you your dream. Every student should take note of these 10 admission traps and stay alert.
With the right preparation, correct documents, and timely actions, nothing will stop you from joining other successful candidates on the admission list this year.
