1. Introduction
Applying to a university in Nigeria is a big step in every student’s life. But many students lose their chance just because of simple mistakes. Some of these errors can make you lose admission even when you have good scores.
This article is a complete guide to help you avoid common mistakes when applying for admission in Nigeria. We’ll show you how to make smart choices, meet all the requirements, and boost your chances of success.
2. What Is the Admission Process in Nigeria?
To understand the mistakes, we must first understand how university admission works in Nigeria.
2.1 The 4 Major Stages of Admission in Nigeria
- UTME Registration (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) by JAMB
- Post-UTME/Screening by the school of choice
- Document Verification (O’Level, birth certificate, local govt. ID, etc.)
- Admission Offer & Acceptance through JAMB CAPS portal
2.2 The Players Involved
- JAMB – They conduct the UTME exam and manage admissions
- WAEC/NECO/NABTEB – O’Level exam bodies
- Universities/Polytechnics/Colleges – They set departmental cut-off marks and admit students
If you miss any of these steps or make a mistake, it could stop you from getting admitted—even if you are smart.
3. Top 20 Common Mistakes Students Make During Admission
Let’s break down the most common errors Nigerian students make when applying for university admission.
3.1 Choosing the Wrong Course for Your Strength
Many students pick courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering just because of the name or family pressure. But you must choose a course that matches your strength in WAEC/NECO and UTME subjects.
Example: A student weak in Physics choosing Electrical Engineering = guaranteed struggle.
3.2 Poor UTME Subject Combination
UTME requires 4 subjects. Each course has a correct combination. Using the wrong subjects means automatic disqualification even with a high score.
Mistake Example: Choosing Literature for Engineering instead of Physics.
3.3 Ignoring O’Level Requirements
Some students don’t pay attention to the required 5 credits in O’Level, including Math and English. Missing one subject = no admission.
Tip: Always check your course’s O’Level subject needs.
3.4 Not Knowing the Cut-off Marks
Each school and course has its own cut-off. Some students don’t check this and apply for courses they can’t qualify for.
Example: Applying for Medicine with 180 in UTME where the cut-off is 250.
3.5 Late Registration for UTME or Post-UTME
Many students miss deadlines. If you don’t register early, you may not sit for UTME or Post-UTME screening. Late action = lost opportunity.
3.6 Applying to Too Many Competitive Schools
Applying only to popular universities (like UNILAG, UI, UNN) without considering less competitive ones can reduce your chances.
Tip: Mix it up—choose both popular and less-competitive schools.
3.7 Ignoring Indigene or Catchment Quotas
Some universities give special admission slots to students from certain states. If you don’t know your advantage, you may miss out.
3.8 Not Following Instructions on School Websites
Every university has different rules. Ignoring their instructions (like document upload format or screening method) may get you disqualified.
3.9 Using Wrong Details (Name, DOB, Email)
Simple errors in your name, date of birth, or email can cause issues with matching your results or accepting your admission offer.
3.10 Applying with Awaiting Result (without Updating)
Using “Awaiting Result” is allowed, but if you don’t later upload your O’Level result, JAMB will not process your admission.
3.11 Not Uploading Results on JAMB CAPS
Some students pass UTME and Post-UTME but forget to upload their WAEC/NECO results to JAMB CAPS. This leads to no admission.
3.12 Entering Wrong Institution or Course During Registration
Once you enter wrong data (wrong school or wrong course), changing it later can be hard or costly.
3.13 Not Checking JAMB CAPS Regularly
If you don’t accept your admission on time on JAMB CAPS, it may be withdrawn and given to someone else.
3.14 Not Preparing for Post-UTME
Some students pass UTME but fail the school’s Post-UTME. Each school sets their questions differently, so preparation is key.
3.15 Relying on “Connection” Instead of Merit
Don’t rely on “help” from people who promise admission. Focus on scoring high and meeting requirements.
3.16 Ignoring State University Options
Many students overlook state universities that may have lower cut-offs and high-quality education. Not all good schools are federal.
3.17 Not Confirming School Accreditation
Some students apply to schools or courses not approved by NUC. Even if you graduate, you may not be recognized.
3.18 Applying for the Wrong Level (UTME vs DE)
Students with ND, HND, IJMB, or A-Level should use Direct Entry, not UTME. Doing it wrong may delay your education.
3.19 Using “Special Centers” for WAEC/NECO
This might seem like a shortcut, but it’s dangerous. Results may be withheld or cancelled.
3.20 Not Seeking Advice or Asking Questions
A lot of students fail to seek guidance from teachers, parents, or professionals. One small question could save your future.
4. How to Avoid These Mistakes – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Do Your Research
- Check your course requirements (UTME + O’Level)
- Visit JAMB brochure or school websites
Step 2: Choose a Suitable Course
- Pick a course that matches your interest and academic strength
- Avoid following the crowd
Step 3: Register Early and Carefully
- Register UTME before deadline
- Double-check names, email, phone number
Step 4: Pick the Right Schools
- Choose at least one school with moderate competition
- Consider state and private universities
Step 5: Upload Results on JAMB CAPS
- Once WAEC/NECO is out, upload immediately
- Also print and keep physical copies
Step 6: Prepare Well for Post-UTME
- Practice past questions
- Improve writing and comprehension
Step 7: Monitor Your Admission on CAPS
- Check JAMB CAPS regularly
- Accept offer once it comes
5. Key Differences: Smart Applicants vs. Careless Applicants
| Smart Applicants | Careless Applicants |
|---|---|
| Research requirements early | Choose random courses |
| Check cut-off and subject combination | Ignore subject rules |
| Upload O’Level early | Forget to upload results |
| Apply to more than one school | Rely on one popular school |
| Monitor admission on CAPS | Wait for SMS or rumor |
6. Real-Life Examples of Admission Mistakes
Example 1:
Chidera scored 287 in UTME for Medicine. But she used Economics instead of Biology. She lost the admission despite the high score.
Example 2:
Bola used “Awaiting Result” and never uploaded his WAEC after it came out. He passed UTME but didn’t get admission.
Example 3:
Ahmed applied for Law but had D7 in Literature. Even with good UTME, the course rejected him.
7. Benefits of Applying Correctly
- Higher chance of admission
- Faster admission process
- No need for change of course/institution
- Peace of mind and confidence
- Better fit for your abilities and goals
8. Pros and Cons of Changing Courses After Mistake
Sometimes, mistakes happen. You can change your course or school using JAMB Change of Course/Institution Form.
✅ Pros
- Saves your admission if done on time
- Helps you pick a more suitable option
- Reduces pressure and competition
❌ Cons
- May cost extra fees
- Some schools don’t accept late changes
You may miss your preferred course
9. Summary Table of Mistakes vs. Solutions
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong course | Leads to poor fit or disqualification | Choose based on strength, not trend |
| Wrong UTME subjects | You will not qualify even with high score | Use JAMB brochure or course guide |
| Missing cut-off | Application will be rejected | Know the cut-off for your course |
| Late registration | You miss the exam entirely | Register early and stay informed |
| No result upload | JAMB won’t process your admission | Upload WAEC/NECO immediately |
| Wrong personal details | Can block access to CAPS | Triple-check all info before submission |
| No CAPS monitoring | You may miss your offer | Check CAPS daily after Post-UTME |
10. Conclusion
Getting admission into a Nigerian university is not just about scoring high in UTME. It’s about planning, understanding the rules, and avoiding careless mistakes.
From choosing the right course, picking the correct subject combination, uploading your results, to checking your JAMB CAPS regularly—every step matters.
By avoiding these common admission mistakes, you increase your chances of getting into your dream school, studying the right course, and succeeding in your future career.