Why Students Fail to Gain Admission in Nigeria
Before looking at the mistakes, it’s important to understand why many students fail to secure admission:
- Limited spaces compared to applicants – Over 1.7 million students write JAMB yearly, but less than 600,000 secure admission.
- Wrong subject combination in JAMB – Many students choose subjects not accepted for their course.
- Failure to upload O’level results – Some candidates forget to upload their WAEC/NECO results to JAMB CAPS.
- Low scores in JAMB or post-UTME – Scoring below the cut-off reduces your chances.
- Poor guidance – Many students don’t know the correct process or deadlines.
Now let’s look at the top mistakes to avoid.
Top Mistakes to Avoid During Nigerian University Admission 2025/2026
1. Choosing the Wrong JAMB Subject Combination
This is one of the most common mistakes students make. Each course has a specific JAMB subject requirement. For example:
- Medicine requires English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
- Law requires English, Literature, Government, CRS/IRS.
If you choose the wrong subjects, even with a high score, you will be disqualified.
How to Avoid:
- Check the official JAMB brochure before selecting your subjects.
- Seek advice from your teachers or admission counselors.
2. Not Scoring High Enough in JAMB UTME
Many students assume that scoring just above the minimum cut-off (140–200) is enough. But in reality, competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering require much higher scores.
How to Avoid:
- Aim for 250+ in JAMB to stand a better chance.
- Practice with past questions and online CBT apps.
- Start preparing at least 6 months before the exam.
3. Ignoring Post-UTME or Screening Exams
After JAMB, most universities conduct post-UTME or screening tests. Some students fail to register, miss the date, or perform poorly.
How to Avoid:
- Follow the official school website for updates.
- Pay the screening fee on time.
- Prepare for both objective questions and essay writing.
4. Failure to Upload O’Level Results on JAMB CAPS
Many students think passing WAEC/NECO is enough, but JAMB requires you to upload your results online through an accredited CBT center. Without this, your admission will not be processed.
How to Avoid:
- Visit a JAMB CBT center immediately after results are released.
- Confirm your results show on your CAPS portal.
5. Missing Important Deadlines
Universities and JAMB set strict deadlines for registration, screening, and acceptance. Missing just one can cost you admission.
How to Avoid:
- Write down important dates.
- Check the school portal weekly.
- Subscribe to admission updates or join student groups.
6. Applying to Very Competitive Courses Without Backup
Some students only choose competitive courses like Medicine or Law, ignoring the fact that admission chances are slim.
How to Avoid:
- Choose a competitive course as your first choice.
- Select a less competitive but related course as a backup.
- Use the JAMB Change of Course option if necessary.
7. Wrong University or Institution Choice
Not all universities offer every course. For example, some schools don’t offer Dentistry or Mass Communication. Choosing such schools wastes your application.
How to Avoid:
- Confirm the university offers your course before applying.
- Check the JAMB brochure or school website.
8. Not Checking JAMB CAPS Regularly
JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) is where admission is confirmed. Some students don’t check CAPS and miss offers.
How to Avoid:
- Log in weekly to your JAMB CAPS.
- Accept admission immediately if offered.
9. Providing Wrong Information During Registration
Errors in names, date of birth, gender, or choice of state of origin can affect admission.
How to Avoid:
- Double-check all details before submission.
- Correct mistakes immediately using JAMB correction of data.
10. Lack of Financial Preparation
Some students get admission but fail to resume because they cannot pay fees on time.
How to Avoid:
- Discuss financial plans with your parents early.
- Apply for scholarships or student loan opportunities.
11. Waiting for One University Only
Many candidates depend on only one school and reject opportunities from others. This increases the risk of missing out completely.
How to Avoid:
- Apply to multiple universities (federal, state, and private).
- Consider polytechnics or colleges of education as alternatives.
12. Accepting Admission Late on JAMB CAPS
If you delay in accepting admission, your slot may be given to someone else.
How to Avoid:
- Accept admission immediately once it appears on CAPS.
13. Ignoring School’s Admission Requirements
Each school has its own admission rules beyond JAMB cut-off. Some require credit passes in certain subjects.
How to Avoid:
- Check the official admission requirements on the university’s website.
14. Falling for Admission Scams
Many students fall victim to fraudsters who promise admission for a fee.
How to Avoid:
- Admission is only through JAMB CAPS.
- Avoid anyone who claims they can help you bypass the system.
15. Poor Communication with Parents/Guardians
Some students fail to share updates with their parents, leading to missed deadlines or unprepared finances.
How to Avoid:
- Keep your parents informed of all admission progress.
Pros of Avoiding Admission Mistakes
- Increases your chances of success.
- Reduces stress and confusion.
- Helps you secure admission faster.
- Saves time and money.
Cons of Making Admission Mistakes
- Risk of losing admission for the year.
- Financial loss from re-registration.
- Wasted effort and time.
- Emotional stress and disappointment.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Admission Process
- Register for JAMB properly – Correct details and right subjects.
- Prepare and score high – Target 250+ for competitive courses.
- Upload O’level results early – Don’t wait till the deadline.
- Follow post-UTME guidelines – Register, prepare, and attend.
- Check JAMB CAPS regularly – Accept or reject admission promptly.
- Have backup options – Apply to other schools and courses.
- Beware of scams – Only trust official JAMB and school portals.
Summary Table – Mistakes vs Solutions
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong subject combination | Leads to automatic disqualification | Check JAMB brochure |
| Low JAMB score | Reduces admission chances | Target 250+ |
| Not uploading O’level | Admission cannot be processed | Upload at CBT center |
| Missing deadlines | Missed opportunity | Track dates carefully |
| Choosing only competitive courses | High rejection rate | Add backup options |
| Ignoring JAMB CAPS | May lose admission offer | Check weekly |
| Admission scams | Loss of money, no admission | Trust only official portals |
FAQs on Mistakes to Avoid During Nigerian University Admission
1. What is the biggest mistake students make during admission?
The most common mistake is not uploading O’level results on JAMB CAPS.
2. Can wrong subject combination stop admission?
Yes, JAMB will not process your admission if subjects don’t match your course.
3. How often should I check JAMB CAPS?
At least once every week until admission is confirmed.
4. Can I still change my course after JAMB?
Yes, through the JAMB Change of Course option before admission closes.
5. Is scoring 180 enough for university admission?
It depends on the school and course. For competitive courses, aim higher.
6. What if I miss my post-UTME exam?
You may lose admission for that year unless the school offers another chance.
7. How do I know if a university offers my course?
Check the official JAMB brochure or the university’s website.
8. Is it safe to pay someone for admission help?
No. All genuine admissions are processed through JAMB CAPS only.
9. What should I do if I made a mistake in JAMB registration?
Apply for JAMB correction of data immediately at an accredited center.
10. Can I gain admission with awaiting results?
Yes, but you must upload the results once they are released.
11. Do private universities admit faster?
Yes, most private universities process admissions faster than federal ones.
12. What happens if I don’t accept admission on CAPS?
The offer may be withdrawn and given to another candidate.
Conclusion
Gaining admission into a Nigerian university in 2025/2026 is possible if you avoid common mistakes that cost many students their dreams. From wrong subject combinations to failure in uploading O’level results and missing deadlines, every error reduces your chances.
The good news is that all these mistakes can be avoided with proper preparation, early planning, and constant monitoring of JAMB CAPS and school portals.
Remember: Admission success is not just about scoring high but also about being smart, careful, and informed.
If you follow the step-by-step tips in this guide, you will stand a better chance of securing admission into your dream university without stress.