Gaining admission into any Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education involves several stages. Many candidates score high in JAMB and Post-UTME but end up missing admission due to errors or incomplete documentation during screening and clearance.

To guide you properly, this article explains the exact documents you need, the right time to upload/present them, and answers to frequently asked questions from students.

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🔹 Stage 1: Before Admission is Offered (Screening Stage)

At this stage, candidates are only applying and awaiting admission. The following documents are necessary:

✅ 1. JAMB Result Slip

• This is one of the first and most important documents schools require.
• It shows your JAMB score, subject combination, and personal details.
• Always print the original JAMB result slip with your passport photo directly from the JAMB portal.

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✅ 2. O’Level Result (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB or GCE)

• Must be uploaded to JAMB CAPS for admission processing.
• Uploading is usually done at a JAMB CBT center or accredited cyber café.
• You can use:
  • A single sitting (preferred).
  • Two sittings (if allowed by your institution).

⚠️ Failure to upload your O’Level result means you will not be considered for admission, no matter your JAMB score.

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✅ 3. Post-UTME/Screening Registration Slip

• After registering for your school’s Post-UTME or screening, you’ll be given a slip as proof.
• This document is often required during screening/physical verification.

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✅ 4. Birth Certificate or Age Declaration

• Used to verify your age.
• Since most schools have age restrictions (e.g., some do not admit students below 16), this document is compulsory.

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✅ 5. Local Government Identification Certificate

• Proves your state of origin and local government area.
• Very important for schools that use catchment area policy during admission.

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✅ 6. School Leaving Certificate/Testimonial

• Proof that you completed secondary school.
• Collected from your secondary school principal.
• Some schools demand this before finalizing admission.

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✅ 7. Passport Photographs

• Usually required during physical screening.
• Use recent, clear photographs (white or red background depending on the school).

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🔹 Stage 2: After Admission is Offered (Clearance & Registration Stage)

Once you’ve been offered admission on JAMB CAPS (you will see “Admitted”), the next set of documents becomes necessary.

✅ 8. JAMB Admission Letter

• Proof that JAMB has officially recognized your admission.
• Must be printed directly from the JAMB portal after you’ve accepted your admission on CAPS.
• No school will allow you to complete clearance or matriculate without this.

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✅ 9. School Admission Letter

• This comes from the institution that offered you admission.
• Usually available on your school portal after paying the acceptance fee.
• Needed during physical clearance and registration.

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✅ 10. Acceptance Fee & Other Payment Receipts

• Some schools request evidence of acceptance fee payment before screening.
• Keep both the online printout and the bank teller (if any).

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✅ 11. Medical Fitness Certificate (For Some Schools)

• Some institutions require students to undergo a medical test at the school health center.
• The result (medical fitness certificate) becomes part of your clearance file.

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🔑 Important Tips for Students

1. Upload to CAPS Early – JAMB CAPS is the central admission database. If your O’Level result is not uploaded, you cannot be admitted.
2. Keep Multiple Copies – Photocopy all your documents (at least 5 sets). Schools usually keep copies.
3. Use Original Documents – Avoid scanned or unclear results. Schools verify authenticity.
4. Back Up Soft Copies – Save your documents on email or cloud storage.

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📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ 1. Which documents must I upload first to JAMB CAPS?

👉 Only your O’Level result(s). JAMB Admission Letter comes after admission is offered.

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❓ 2. Can I be admitted without uploading my O’Level result?

👉 No. JAMB will not process your admission if your O’Level result is not uploaded.

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❓ 3. What if my name is not the same on all documents?

👉 Apply for an affidavit of name correction at a court. Mismatched names can delay your clearance.

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❓ 4. Can I use two sittings for O’Level?

👉 Yes, but only if your school/course permits it. Professional courses like Medicine and Nursing usually require one sitting only.

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❓ 5. Do I need my JAMB Admission Letter before clearance?

👉 Yes. Without it, your admission is incomplete. Always print it once JAMB confirms your admission.

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❓ 6. What if I change my course/institution after JAMB?

👉 Ensure you apply for a Change of Course/Institution on JAMB portal. Schools will only admit you if JAMB recognizes the change.

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❓ 7. How many passport photographs should I carry?

👉 Minimum of 8 copies. Some schools require more during ID card processing and registration.

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🎯 Final Note

The admission screening process is more than just passing JAMB or Post-UTME. Having the right documents at the right time determines whether your admission will be successful.

• Before Admission: JAMB result slip, O’Level, Post-UTME slip, birth certificate, LGA certificate, testimonial, and passports.
• After Admission: JAMB admission letter, school admission letter, acceptance fee receipt, and medical fitness certificate (if required).

By following this guide, you’ll be fully prepared and avoid unnecessary delays or disqualification.