Every year, thousands of Nigerian students register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with hopes of securing admission into their preferred universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, many candidates lose their chances due to avoidable registration errors.
With the 2025 JAMB registration already in focus, it is crucial for candidates to understand the mistakes that have cost others in the past and how to avoid them. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of common JAMB registration errors, their consequences, and practical steps to ensure a smooth admission process.
Why JAMB Registration Errors Are a Big Problem
JAMB has one of the most structured and transparent admission processes in Nigeria. However, even a minor mistake in registration can lead to:
- Inability to sit for the UTME.
- Issues with admission processing.
- Loss of preferred institution choice.
- Delays in admission or outright disqualification.
For example, in past admission cycles, some candidates could not access their results because of mismatched names or wrong email submissions. This is why JAMB consistently warns students to pay attention to details during registration.
(For more updates on admission deadlines and cut-off marks, you can check related coverage on Brivana.com.ng where we regularly publish verified JAMB news.)
10 Common JAMB Registration Errors to Avoid in 2025
1. Using the Wrong NIN Details
Since JAMB integrated the National Identification Number (NIN) into its system, one of the biggest mistakes candidates make is providing inconsistent details. For instance, a candidate’s date of birth on NIN might not match what is entered during registration, leading to profile mismatches.
How to avoid it:
- Ensure your NIN details (name, date of birth, phone number) are accurate before generating your JAMB profile code.
- If there are errors, visit the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office for correction before starting JAMB registration.
2. Wrong Choice of Institution and Course
Some students rush their registration and pick the wrong course or institution, only to realize later that the choice does not align with their career goals or admission requirements.
Example: Choosing Medicine at a university with a cut-off mark of 280+, while scoring an average of 200 in practice tests.
How to avoid it:
- Research your institution’s JAMB cut-off marks and admission policies.
- Align your subject combination with your desired course. (You can read our detailed guide on JAMB subject combinations for all courses.)
3. Inconsistent Names Across Documents
This is one of the most overlooked but deadly mistakes. If your WAEC, NECO, NIN, and JAMB registration carry different spellings of your name, your admission process could face serious delays.
How to avoid it:
- Cross-check all your documents before registration.
- Use one consistent name format across all records.
4. Incorrect Subject Combination
Many candidates fail to check the correct UTME subject combinations for their chosen course. For instance, a student applying for Law but failing to register Literature in English automatically makes themselves ineligible.
How to avoid it:
- Use the official JAMB brochure to confirm subject requirements.
- Seek advice from school counselors or admission experts before registration.
(You can also find subject combination details for 2025 courses on JAMB official brochure.)
5. Wrong Email Address or Phone Number
Using an inactive email or a wrong phone number means you won’t get critical updates such as exam slips, result notifications, or admission letters.
How to avoid it:
- Create a new Gmail account specifically for JAMB and future academic use.
- Use your personal phone number — not your parents’ or friends’.
6. Multiple Registrations
Some candidates attempt to register more than once, thinking it increases their chances. JAMB strictly prohibits this, and candidates caught face automatic disqualification.
How to avoid it:
- Register once and keep your confirmation slip safe.
- If any mistake is made, visit a JAMB-accredited CBT center for corrections.
7. Using Unapproved CBT Centers
Registering at cybercafés or unauthorized centers can lead to fake or incomplete registration. JAMB has a list of approved CBT centers for every state.
How to avoid it:
- Only register at accredited JAMB CBT centers.
- Verify the accreditation status on the official JAMB portal.
8. Failure to Upload O’Level Results
Many candidates forget to upload their WAEC/NECO results after registration, leading to “No Result Uploaded” issues during admission processing.
How to avoid it:
- After writing your O’level exams, return to a CBT center to upload your results.
- Always confirm from your CAPS portal that the result has been uploaded.
9. Late Registration
Some students delay until the last week of registration, only to encounter network issues, overcrowding at CBT centers, or missed deadlines.
How to avoid it:
- Register early once the portal opens.
- Follow updates on Brivana.com.ng for JAMB deadline reminders.
10. Ignoring Post-UTME Requirements
Even after passing JAMB, some candidates fail to meet their university’s Post-UTME requirements, leading to lost admissions.
How to avoid it:
- Monitor Post-UTME updates on your chosen institution’s website.
- Prepare documents such as birth certificates, state of origin certificates, and school testimonials ahead of time.
Practical Steps to Ensure Error-Free JAMB Registration
- Generate and confirm your NIN details early.
- Cross-check all personal information before final submission.
- Save all login credentials securely.
- Regularly check JAMB’s website and Brivana.com.ng for verified updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I correct my JAMB registration after submission?
Yes, JAMB allows correction of data such as name, course, or institution. However, this comes at a fee, and only accredited CBT centers can process it.
2. What happens if my subject combination is wrong?
Your chosen institution will not consider you for admission. That’s why it’s vital to use the official JAMB brochure before registering.
3. Is uploading O’level results compulsory?
Yes. Without uploading your results, your admission cannot be processed.
4. Can I change my email after registration?
No, you cannot. The email used during registration becomes your permanent JAMB login.
5. What if I forget my JAMB profile password?
You can reset it using your registered email or phone number on the official JAMB portal.
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