Every admission season, thousands of
otherwise-qualified students miss out on offers not because they can’t meet the cut-off, but because of avoidable mistakes: missed deadlines, unverified programme admissions , wrong subject combinations, CAPS errors, or falling for scams. This 2025 guide breaks down the top mistakes students make during admission in Nigeria and the exact steps to avoid them. It’s practical, up-to-date, reliable so you can move confidently from UTME to matriculation.
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| Top 20 Admission Mistakes Nigerian Students Make (and How to Avoid Them) This Year |
1) Not Uploading (or Re-Uploading) O’Level Results to JAMB CAPS
Many candidates assume their WAEC/NECO results are already on JAMB’s system. If your O’Level is not uploaded to CAPS, most schools simply cannot offer you admission. JAMB also opens and closes the upload window during processing.
Upload only at a JAMB-accredited CBT centre or JAMB office; confirm it reflects on your profile.
Recheck CAPS after any policy update or portal reactivation.
2) Ignoring Programme/University Accreditation Status
Applying to programmes that lack full/valid accreditation or—worse—schools that aren’t NUC-approved. This risks delayed graduation, professional registration issues, or rejection by employers.
Verify accreditation on NUC’s official portal (institutional and programme lists).
For professional courses (Medicine, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing), also confirm with the relevant councils in addition to NUC.
3) Falling for Admission Scams
Paying “agents” who promise guaranteed admission or “portal shortcuts.” Universities and JAMB regularly warn the public about fraudsters impersonating officials.
Never pay anyone outside official channels or school portals.
Cross-check any message with the school’s website or verified social pages; universities publish periodic scam alerts.
4) Not Accepting/Rejecting Admission on CAPS
A school may offer you admission on CAPS, but if you don’t click “Accept”, the offer may lapse or be reassigned. CAPS was designed so candidates confirm offers; don’t ignore it.
Log into CAPS daily/weekly during the season; accept or reject offers promptly so you don’t lose a seat or block your preferred choice.
5) Missing “Change of Course/Institution” Windows
Sticking to unrealistic choices when your UTME score doesn’t meet the cut-off, or missing the official change window.
Use JAMB’s Correction of Data → Change of Course/Institution to realign choices with your score and subject combo—only via the e-Facility or accredited centres.
Watch fees and deadlines published by credible sources (typical fees and timelines vary each year).
6) Choosing a Course with the Wrong Subject Combination
Great UTME score, wrong subject combo means no admission. Many candidates overlook the required subjects for their intended course.
Compare your UTME subjects to your chosen course’s requirements before screening.
If mismatched, use Change of Course early enough.
7) Overlooking Catchment and Competition Dynamics
Applying to ultra-competitive programmes/universities without a strategy (and sometimes ignoring catchment considerations used in institutional selection on CAPS). JAMB’s CAPS lets institutions source candidates by multiple criteria within policy.
Build a balanced list: a mix of reach, match, and safety choices; study each school’s historical competitiveness.
Consider alternative campuses or closely related programmes where appropriate.
8) Ignoring School-Specific Screening Instructions
Assuming all schools run identical Post-UTME/Screening formats or timelines, then missing documents or uploads. Each institution sets its own process. (E.g., some run pure CBT, others add documents-only screening.)
Read the school’s admission bulletin carefully on its official site; comply with format, venue, date, and document instructions. (Institutions frequently share these on their portals and verified pages.)
9) Not Tracking Email/SMS and Portal Notifications
Offers and screening updates often first appear via SMS/email or your portal dashboard. Candidates lose offers simply because they didn’t check for weeks.
Use a stable email you monitor daily; whitelist school and @jamb.gov.ng domains.
Log in to CAPS and school portals weekly during the cycle.
10) Name/Date of Birth/Result Mismatches
Differences between O’Level names, UTME registration data, and birth certificates stall admissions and NYSC later.
Correct data officially through JAMB’s Correction of Data services; don’t ignore discrepancies.
11) Applying to Unapproved “Foreign” or Franchise Campuses
Enrolling in offshore/affiliate centres or foreign-named outlets that aren’t recognized locally, risking degree recognition problems.
Use NUC resources or guidance from reputable bodies to verify legitimacy before paying any fee.
12) Paying Acceptance/Tuition Late
After your offer is released, schools set strict deadlines for acceptance fees or registration. Late payment can void the offer.
Read your admission letter and school circulars for dates; pay promptly and keep receipts. (Schools enforce these windows every session.)
13) Not Printing the Original JAMB Result Slip/Admission Letter
From your e-Facility, print the Original Result Slip and Admission Letter after acceptance—they are often mandatory for clearance.
14) Relying on Rumours Instead of Official Sources
Acting on WhatsApp broadcasts and unverified blogs (wrong dates, fake cut-offs, or bogus “lists”).
Cross-check with JAMB and the university’s website/verified social pages. Both routinely publish clarifications and scam alerts.
15) Skipping Institutional Eligibility (Age, Indigene Status, Medicals)
Overlooking small print like medical fitness, indigene documentation (for state schools), or programme-specific prerequisites.
Read each school’s screening prospectus; gather your LGA/indigene certificates (if applicable) well ahead of screening.
16) Assuming Part-Time/Distance Learning Has No Rules
Thinking non-regular programmes bypass documentation, accreditation, or clearance rules.
Confirm the programme is school-run and NUC-approved; follow the same diligence you would for full-time entry.
17) Not Preparing for Post-UTME/Screening (Where Applicable)
Treating screening as a formality. Many institutions still assess with CBT and documents; your performance can tilt the aggregate decisively.
Rehearse with past questions, confirm exam venue/time, and arrive early with the exact ID permitted by the school.
18) Poor Digital Hygiene: Losing Access to Your Accounts
Forgetting passwords, losing SIMs tied to 2FA, or using cafés to save credentials—then being locked out during crucial windows.
Use a password manager; set recovery emails; avoid saving logins on public systems; keep SIMs active.
19) Overlooking Policy Changes Mid-Cycle
Portals can be temporarily closed or reactivated (e.g., O’Level upload pauses and restarts). Students who don’t watch updates miss windows.
Follow JAMB’s announcements and reputable education desks for real-time status of CAPS and upload windows.
20) Neglecting Institutional Lists and Matriculation Compliance
Assuming your offer is “final” before schools send approved lists and JAMB completes its own approvals. Institutions face JAMB scrutiny if they don’t comply with matriculation list submissions—affecting candidates downstream.
After accepting on CAPS, keep checking your school’s portal for clearance instructions and confirmation steps. Don’t skip any “matric list”/documentation tasks if requested.
Quick Checklist: Do This to Stay Admission-Ready
1. Upload/confirm O’Level on CAPS at an accredited centre.
2. Verify accreditation of both institution and programme on NUC’s portal.
3. Monitor CAPS—accept/reject offers promptly.
4. Use Change of Course/Institution wisely and within official windows.
5. Ignore “shortcut” agents; pay only on official portals.
6. Print original documents (JAMB result slip, admission letter) when required.
7. Track deadlines for acceptance fee, screening, medicals, and registration on your school’s site.
Admissions aren’t won by luck; they’re won by attention to detail. This year, the biggest threats to your admission are avoidable: a missing O’Level upload, a late change of course, an unaccredited programme, or a scammer with a fake portal. If you: keep your CAPS/portal activity frequent, verify every programme and instruction on official sites, and act quickly when windows open, you’ll sidestep the most common traps and move smoothly from offer to matriculation.
Stay vigilant, stay organized and welcome to campus.
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