How to Gain Admission with Awaiting Result in Nigeria

What Does Awaiting Result Mean?

In Nigerian education, awaiting result (AR) means applying for admission without having your O’level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) ready at the time of JAMB or school screening registration.

For example:

A student writes WAEC in May/June 2025 but registers for JAMB in February 2025.
Since the WAEC result will not be out until August, the student selects “Awaiting Result” during JAMB registration.
Once the result is released, the student must upload it to JAMB CAPS and the school portal.

Is Awaiting Result Accepted in Nigeria?

Yes, most federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria accept awaiting results for admission.

However, candidates must upload their O’level results before the admission process ends, usually around October to December. Failure to upload means admission may be withdrawn.

Why Students Apply with Awaiting Result

Early JAMB Registration – JAMB opens registration before WAEC/NECO results are released.
Confidence in Passing – Students believe they will pass their exams.
No Delay – Students don’t want to miss a year waiting for the next JAMB cycle.
Flexibility – Awaiting result gives students more time while still securing a spot in the admission race.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Gain Admission with Awaiting Result in Nigeria

Here’s a practical roadmap for 2025/2026 candidates:

Step 1: Register JAMB with Awaiting Result

During registration, choose “Awaiting Result” if your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB result is not yet out.
Select your school of choice, course, and subjects correctly.

Step 2: Write Your O’level Exams Seriously

Take WAEC/NECO/NABTEB with full commitment.
Remember: you will still need at least 5 credits including English and Mathematics.

Step 3: Write and Pass JAMB

Score at least 20–30 marks above the cut-off for your chosen course.
Example: Medicine may require 280+, Engineering 240+, Law 260+.

Step 4: Sit for Post-UTME/Screening

Most schools allow AR candidates to write post-UTME or undergo screening.
Perform well, because strong JAMB and post-UTME scores improve your admission chances.

Step 5: Upload Results to JAMB CAPS

Once WAEC/NECO results are released, go to a JAMB-approved CBT centre.
Upload your grades (5 credits, including English and Mathematics).
Also upload to your university’s admission portal if required.

Step 6: Monitor JAMB CAPS and School Portal

Keep checking JAMB CAPS for admission status.
Accept admission once offered.

Important Things to Note for Awaiting Result Candidates

Your result must be uploaded before your school finalizes admissions.
If your O’level result shows deficiencies (like failing English or Mathematics), you may lose your admission chance.
Some professional courses (Medicine, Law, Pharmacy) may require one sitting, so plan accordingly.

Pros of Using Awaiting Result for Admission

Early Application – You don’t miss JAMB deadlines.
Flexibility – You can still secure admission even if your result comes late.
Hopeful Pathway – Gives you time to focus on both JAMB and WAEC.
Universally Accepted – Most Nigerian universities allow AR.

Cons of Using Awaiting Result for Admission

Uncertainty – If you fail WAEC/NECO, you lose your admission chance.
Stress – Balancing WAEC/NECO with JAMB preparation is tough.
Deadline Pressure – If you delay uploading results, you may miss out.
Limited Choices – Some highly competitive schools discourage AR.

Nigerian Universities That Accept Awaiting Result

Almost all universities in Nigeria accept awaiting result. Examples include:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Lagos State University (LASU)
Covenant University (Private)
Babcock University (Private)

Example of Admission Process with Awaiting Result

January 2025: JAMB registration begins. You register with AR.
May 2025: You write WAEC.
June 2025: You write JAMB.
July 2025: You write Post-UTME.
August 2025: WAEC releases results.
September 2025: You upload results to JAMB CAPS.
October 2025: Your school begins admission list release.
November–December 2025: You get admission.

Tips for Students Applying with Awaiting Result

Take Exams Seriously – Don’t assume you can always use two sittings later.
Aim Higher – Score high in JAMB to balance any weakness in O’level.
Upload Early – Don’t wait until the last minute to upload results.
Stay Updated – Follow your school’s official admission updates.
Be Flexible – If your grades are low, consider supplementary admission or a related course.

Common Mistakes Students Make with Awaiting Result

Forgetting to upload results after release.
Uploading incomplete results (less than 5 credits).
Combining unacceptable results (like WAEC + NABTEB, which many schools reject).
Waiting until admission list is almost out before uploading.
Choosing highly competitive courses without strong confidence in O’level results.

Pros and Cons of Admission with Awaiting Result (Summary Table)

Criteria	Pros	Cons
Admission Chances	Allows early JAMB registration	Risk if results are poor
Flexibility	Accepted in most schools	Deadlines can cause pressure
Preparation	Gives time for WAEC + JAMB	Balancing both exams is stressful
Outcome	Possible admission with AR	Admission can be lost if results fail

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I gain admission with awaiting result in Nigeria?

Yes. Most universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education accept awaiting results.

2. What does awaiting result mean?

It means applying for admission when your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB results are not yet released.

3. Do all universities accept awaiting results?

Yes, most schools do, but you must upload the results before admission ends.

4. Can I use awaiting result for JAMB?

Yes, JAMB allows you to register with awaiting result.

5. When should I upload my awaiting result?

Immediately after WAEC/NECO/NABTEB releases results (usually July–August).

6. Can I gain admission into Medicine with awaiting result?

Yes, but you must eventually meet the one-sitting O’level requirement for Medicine.

7. What happens if my result is not good?

If you fail core subjects, your admission may be withdrawn.

8. Can I combine two sittings with awaiting result?

Yes, you can combine WAEC + NECO or WAEC + WAEC, but confirm from your school.

9. Can private universities accept awaiting result?

Yes, schools like Covenant, Babcock, and Bowen accept AR.

10. What if I forget to upload my result to JAMB CAPS?

Your admission will be cancelled, even if your school offers you a place.

11. Do polytechnics accept awaiting result?

Yes, almost all Nigerian polytechnics accept AR.

12. Can I use NABTEB awaiting result for admission?

Yes, but check if your university accepts NABTEB.

Conclusion

Applying with awaiting result in Nigeria is a smart way to secure admission without losing time. It is widely accepted by universities, polytechnics, and private schools—as long as you upload your O’level results once they are released.

The key is to take your exams seriously, score high in JAMB, and upload your results early. If you follow these steps, you can successfully gain admission with awaiting result in the 2025/2026 academic session.

So, don’t panic if your WAEC or NECO results are not out yet—just focus on preparation and stay updated with JAMB and your school’s requirements.