Introduction

Imagine getting admission into your dream university in Nigeria—University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Nigeria (UNN), or YABATECH—and they say, “Your date of birth does not match our records.” Scary, right?

This happens to many Nigerian students every year.

Most times, the problem comes from a small error during WAEC, NECO, JAMB, or school registration. But the good news is: you can correct your date of birth before it becomes a big issue.

This complete guide will show you how to correct date of birth for admission 2025/2026—whether it’s for JAMB, WAEC, or your school.

We’ll use simple English, so even a 10-year-old can follow it,

What is Date of Birth Correction?

Date of birth correction means fixing any error in the day, month, or year of birth on official school or exam records. This can happen when:

• Your birth date is entered wrongly during registration.

• There’s a mismatch between your WAEC and JAMB records.

• The school writes your date of birth wrongly on your admission documents.

For example:

• Your real DOB is 15th March 2007

• But it shows as 13th May 2006 in JAMB or WAEC.

If not corrected, it may affect your:

• Admission

• NYSC participation

• Job applications

• Visa and travel documents

Why is Correct Date of Birth Important for Admission?

Having the right date of birth is not just formality. It’s very important for your future.

Admission Requirements

Some universities and colleges in Nigeria have age limits. For example, students under 16 may not be admitted.

National Identification (NIN/ID Match)

Your school record must match your NIN, which includes your correct DOB.

NYSC Eligibility

NYSC does not accept candidates who are above or below a certain age range. If your DOB is wrong, you may be exempted wrongly or rejected.

Passport/Visa Processing

If your school documents show a different DOB from your passport or ID, you may be denied a visa or face questions.

When Can You Correct Date of Birth in Nigeria?

You can correct your date of birth at different stages:

Important: Do not wait till it’s too late. The earlier, the better.

General Steps for Correcting Date of Birth for Admission 2025/2026

Here’s a basic idea of how to correct your date of birth:

1. Discover the error: Check your WAEC, JAMB, and school records.

2. Gather documents:

   • Birth certificate

   • Affidavit from court

   • WAEC or JAMB slip with wrong DOB

   • Valid ID card (if available)

3. Write an application letter for correction.

4. Visit the appropriate office:

   • WAEC office

   • JAMB CBT centre

   • School admission unit

5. Pay the correction fee (usually ₦3,000–₦7,000).

6. Wait for processing: This can take a few days to weeks.

7. Print corrected slip or document for use in school or admission.

Correcting Date of Birth in JAMB

What You Need:

• JAMB registration number

• JAMB profile login details

• Birth certificate

• Affidavit for DOB correction

• NIN (linked to correct DOB)

• Correction fee (₦3,500 approx.)

• Passport photograph

• Step-by-Step Process:

1. Login to JAMB Profile at www.jamb.gov.ng

2. Go to the “Correction of Data” section.

3. Select “Date of Birth” correction.

4. Input correct date and upload necessary documents.

5. Pay the correction fee via Remita or approved banks.

6. Submit and print the acknowledgment slip.

7. Visit the nearest JAMB CBT Centre with the documents.

8. JAMB will process and notify you via email/SMS.

Processing Time

Usually 7–14 working days, but could take longer during admission rush.

Correcting Date of Birth in WAEC

What You Need:

• WAEC exam number

• WAEC certificate or result printout

• Original birth certificate

• Affidavit (from high court)

• Application letter

• Correction fee (₦5,000–₦10,000)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Go to the nearest WAEC zonal or state office.

2. Write and submit an application letter addressed to “The Controller of Examinations.”

3. Attach your:

   • Birth certificate

   • Result slip or certificate with the wrong DOB

   • Court affidavit

4. Pay the correction fee at WAEC’s bank account.

5. Submit receipt along with documents.

6. WAEC will process and issue a corrected result or confirmation letter.

7. Important Notes:

• You can only correct once per candidate.

• Correction must be done within a few years after exam.

Correcting Date of Birth at Your University or Polytechnic

Required Documents:

• Letter of request (handwritten or typed)

• Birth certificate

• Affidavit of age declaration

• Admission letter (JAMB or school)

• WAEC/NECO certificate

• Departmental form (some schools)

Steps to Follow:

1. Go to your school’s admissions office.

2. Submit a request for bio-data correction.

3. Fill any required school forms.

4. Attach all documents listed above.

5. Submit and get a tracking slip.

6. Follow up regularly.

NOTE: Some schools only allow corrections during clearance or before matriculation.

Examples of Date of Birth Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Example 1:

• Error: Date of birth shows “2002” instead of “2005” in JAMB.

• Fix: Login to JAMB profile → select correction of data → upload birth cert and affidavit → pay fee → wait for approval.

Example 2:

• Error: WAEC result shows “12-08-2003” instead of “12-06-2003.”

• Fix: Visit WAEC office → write correction letter → attach affidavit and result → pay fee → collect corrected slip.

Example 3:

• Error: School admission slip says “1999” instead of “2004.”

• Fix: Write to admissions unit → attach evidence → request update in school portal.

Pros and Cons of Correcting Date of Birth

How to Avoid Date of Birth Errors

• Double-check your date of birth during JAMB/WAEC registration.

• Use same DOB in birth cert, NIN, WAEC, JAMB.

• Avoid registering in cyber cafés that rush or make careless errors.

• Don’t allow someone else to fill your forms without your presence.

• Keep your documents in one folder for easy access.

Summary Table

Conclusion

If you discovered an error in your date of birth for the 2025/2026 admission process, don’t panic.

Whether it’s in JAMB, WAEC, or your school records, you can correct it with the right documents and simple steps.

But remember:
Act early before clearance or matriculation.
Use real documents—no fake affidavits.
Keep everything consistent from now on.

Getting into university or polytechnic is a big dream. Don’t let a small DOB mistake stop you from achieving it.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I correct my date of birth after getting admission?

Yes, but it depends on your school. Some schools allow correction during clearance only.

2. How much does it cost to correct DOB in JAMB?

It costs around ₦3,500 but can change. Check JAMB’s official website.

3. Can I correct WAEC DOB online?

No. You must visit a WAEC state or zonal office with documents.

4. What if my JAMB and WAEC have different DOB?

You must correct one to match the other before admission.

5. Can I change DOB in NYSC?

Only once, and only through WAEC verification during registration.

6. Is affidavit enough to change DOB?

No. You must also present your original birth certificate.

7. Can my school reject correction of DOB?

Yes. If you apply too late or lack documents, the school may reject it.

8. Can I use NIN to correct DOB in JAMB?

Yes. If your NIN has the correct DOB, JAMB may allow sync during registration.

9. Can someone else do the correction for me?

No. You must appear in person, especially for WAEC and school changes.

10. Can I correct DOB in NECO too?

Yes, similar process as WAEC. Visit NECO office with documents.

11. Will DOB correction affect my admission?

Not if you correct it early and use valid documents.