How to Avoid Mistakes During JAMB Registration

How to Avoid Mistakes During JAMB Registration

Registering for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is one of the most important steps for students seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Every year, thousands of candidates lose admission opportunities because of errors made during registration, many of which could have been avoided with proper guidance. This article explains the most common mistakes students make, how to avoid them, and the official sources you should always rely on for accurate information.

1. Understand the JAMB Registration Process Before You Start

The first step to avoiding mistakes is understanding how JAMB registration works. Every year, JAMB publishes registration guidelines, deadlines, accredited CBT centres, and general instructions on its official website:

🔗 Official JAMB Portal: https://www.jamb.gov.ng
🔗 JAMB e-Facility Login: https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng

Before beginning your registration, visit these links to read the latest instructions to avoid misinformation from unverified sources or cyber cafés.

2. Create Your JAMB Profile Correctly

Every candidate must create a JAMB profile using SMS or the official portal. Missing any detail during profile creation can cause complications later.

Common Errors:

• Using a phone number you cannot always access
• Mistyping name or date of birth
• Using someone else’s phone number

How to Avoid Mistakes:

• Use your personal phone number—this becomes tied to your JAMB profile forever.
• Double-check the spelling of your names before sending SMS.
• Ensure your National Identification Number (NIN) matches your JAMB profile data.

Useful Link for Profile Creation Guidelines:

https://www.jamb.gov.ng

3. Make Sure Your NIN Information is Accurate

Since 2020, NIN has been compulsory for JAMB registration. Many errors students face (wrong date of birth, wrong name, wrong gender, etc.) originate from their NIN records.

What You Should Do:

• Visit a verified NIMC centre to correct any wrong information before beginning JAMB registration.
• Ensure your NIN is properly linked to your SIM card.

You can verify NIN information through:
🔗 https://nimc.gov.ng

4. Choose the Right Course and JAMB Subject Combination

One of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong subject combination during JAMB registration. Wrong combinations automatically disqualify candidates from certain courses.

Examples:

• Choosing Mathematics instead of Biology for Medicine
• Choosing irrelevant subjects for Law
• Using Art subject combinations for a Science course

To avoid this, always consult the official JAMB Brochure:

🔗 Official JAMB iBass Brochure: https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng

The brochure contains approved subjects and school requirements for each course.

5. Register Only at Accredited JAMB CBT Centres

JAMB repeatedly warns candidates against using cyber cafés or unlicensed operators for registration.

Why You Must Avoid Cyber Cafés:

• They do not have access to the official JAMB registration portal
• They are responsible for most profile and subject-combination errors
• You may lose your money if they mismanage your data

To stay safe, check JAMB’s list of accredited centres:

🔗 https://www.jamb.gov.ng/Accredited_Centres

Make sure you confirm that the centre is listed before paying for registration.

6. Upload Your O’level Results Correctly

Thousands of candidates are denied admission each year because they forget to upload their WAEC/NECO results.

Important Reminders:

• O’level results must be uploaded at accredited CBT centres
• Uploading at cafés is invalid
• Candidates using “Awaiting Result” must upload immediately after release

You can check the status of your O’level upload on JAMB CAPS:
🔗 https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng

7. Choose the Right Institution Based on Cut-off Marks and Requirements

Another major mistake candidates make is selecting schools whose requirements they cannot meet. Before choosing any university, polytechnic, or college of education, check:

• Cut-off marks
• Special requirements
• Admission quotas
• Whether the course is accredited

Every school has specific rules listed in the JAMB brochure:
 https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng

8. Use a Valid and Accessible Email Address

Your email is crucial for:

• Receiving your JAMB exam slip
• Checking CAPS admission status
• Receiving admission updates
• Resetting your password

Common Mistakes:

• Using an email address you cannot log into
• Mistyping the email during registration
• Using someone else’s email address

Always create a new, simple email dedicated to JAMB and school admissions.

9. Cross-Check All Your Information Before Final Submission

During registration, candidates often fail to review their information before submission. Once submitted, some details (such as names and gender) cannot be changed easily.

Ensure You Confirm:

• Names (must match your O’level and NIN records)
• Date of birth
• Course and subject combination
• Institution choices
• Email and phone number

Ask the CBT operator to scroll through each field so you can verify everything.

10. Keep All Receipts and Printouts Safely

JAMB issues important registration documents, including:

• JAMB Registration Slip
• Exam Slip
• O’level Upload Slip
• Change of Course/Institution slip

Store these in a safe folder as you may need them for school screening.

Avoiding mistakes during JAMB registration is crucial for securing admission into your desired university or polytechnic. The easiest way to avoid errors is to use official JAMB resources, visit accredited CBT centres, and double-check every detail before submission. Always confirm your subject combination, upload your O’level results, and use accurate NIN information. With careful preparation and proper guidance, you can complete your registration smoothly and significantly increase your chances of getting admitted.