Every year, thousands of Nigerian students register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). While the process seems straightforward, many candidates make mistakes during registration. From errors in name spelling, date of birth, or subject combinations, to wrong institution choices, such mistakes can cost you admission if not corrected early.
The good news is that the JAMB portal provides opportunities to correct registration errors. In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through how to fix every possible mistake, explain the official process, provide insider tips, and link you to other helpful resources like JAMB approved CBT centres and guides on JAMB CAPS admission status.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to correct your mistakes but also understand the cost, timeline, and consequences of leaving errors uncorrected.
Why Correcting JAMB Mistakes Is So Important
JAMB is the gateway to Nigerian tertiary institutions, and a mistake in your record can prevent you from securing admission. For example:
- An error in your date of birth could disqualify you from age-sensitive programs.
- A wrong subject combination may make you ineligible for your chosen course.
- Misspelling in your name can cause discrepancies during clearance at the university.
This is why JAMB provides services such as data correction, institution change, and course change, which you can carry out at accredited CBT centres.
If you’re not sure where to begin, you can also review our full breakdown of JAMB cut-off marks for different universities to confirm whether your course and institution choices align with your scores.
Categories of Mistakes You Can Correct on JAMB Portal
Here are the most common errors candidates can fix:
- Name Correction – Fix spelling mistakes or wrong entries.
- Date of Birth Correction – Adjust to the correct birthdate.
- Gender Correction – Switch from male to female or vice versa if registered wrongly.
- State/LGA of Origin Correction – Update for eligibility in state-based institutions.
- Institution Choice Change – Change universities, polytechnics, or colleges.
- Course Change – Adjust your course to match your subject combination or cutoff.
- Subject Combination Correction – Correct errors made during UTME registration.
- Profile Data Errors – Any other mistakes in personal information.
According to the official JAMB guidelines, candidates are allowed to make some corrections twice, while others can only be done once.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Correct Mistakes on JAMB Portal
1. Visit a JAMB Approved CBT Centre
Not all cyber cafés can handle data correction. Only JAMB accredited CBT centres are authorized. To find one near you, check our updated list of JAMB approved CBT centres.
2. Generate Your JAMB Profile Code
Log in to your JAMB profile at efacility.jamb.gov.ng with your email and password. Ensure your details are correct before proceeding.
3. Make Payment
- Correction of data usually costs ₦2,500 per correction.
- You may also be charged an additional ₦700 for service fees at the CBT centre.
4. Submit Your Correction Request
The CBT centre operator will help you update your details directly on the JAMB system. Always cross-check carefully before final submission.
5. Print Updated Slip
Once your correction is approved, print your updated JAMB data correction slip. This will serve as proof that the mistake has been fixed.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Type of Correction
Name Correction
Many candidates discover their names were either misspelled or incomplete during registration. This is common, especially if the operator typed too fast.
- Correction is allowed only once.
- Always ensure your JAMB name matches your WAEC/NECO result name.
For tips on aligning your JAMB details with WAEC results, check this WAEC official guideline on candidate information.
Date of Birth Correction
This is one of the most sensitive corrections. JAMB only allows one-time date of birth change.
Warning: If your WAEC certificate already shows a different date, you might face clearance issues at the university. Always ensure consistency across all documents.
Gender Correction
Though rare, some candidates have found themselves registered under the wrong gender. JAMB allows correction of this once.
State and Local Government of Origin
This correction is critical for those applying to state universities, where indigenes enjoy lower cutoff marks and cheaper tuition.
For instance, if you are applying to LASU, your state of origin matters for JAMB cut-off marks for Lagos State University.
Change of Institution
After JAMB results are released, some candidates realize their scores may not qualify them for their initial school of choice.
Example:
- If you scored 180, applying to UI or UNILAG (cutoff often above 200) is risky.
- Instead, you might want to consider polytechnics or state universities.
That’s why JAMB allows you to perform a change of institution. For official cutoff marks, you can visit the JAMB cutoff portal.
Change of Course
This is similar to institution change. If you chose Medicine but scored 220, it may be safer to switch to Biological Sciences or Anatomy.
You can review possible alternatives in our article on JAMB subject combinations to ensure you’re eligible.
Subject Combination Correction
This is crucial. If you choose the wrong combination, your application may be rejected by JAMB even if you score high.
For example:
- Law requires English, Literature, Government, CRS/IRS.
- Engineering requires English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
If you mistakenly chose Economics instead of Physics for Engineering, you must correct it.
Common Questions Students Ask About JAMB Corrections
How Many Times Can I Correct Mistakes on JAMB Portal?
- Name, Date of Birth, Gender, State/LGA – Once.
- Change of Course/Institution – Up to twice.
Can I Correct My Email or Phone Number?
No. Email and phone number corrections are not possible once registered.
Can I Do JAMB Correction After Admission?
Yes, but it may delay your clearance at the university. Always do it before admission is finalized.
Expert Tips to Avoid JAMB Mistakes
- Register only at JAMB approved CBT centres.
- Carry original documents like birth certificate, WAEC result, and ID card.
- Double-check your data before submission.
- Print copies of your JAMB slip and payment receipts.
- If unsure, consult JAMB’s official admission policy before making corrections.
Final Thoughts
Correcting mistakes on the JAMB portal is not just a formality; it can determine whether you get admission or not. By following this guide, you can avoid unnecessary disqualification.
Also, don’t forget to keep track of your admission process through JAMB CAPS admission status and prepare with JAMB Past Questions and Answers: The Ultimate Guide for 2025 UTME Candidates to increase your chances of securing admission.
If you still feel lost, check our article on How to Score 300+ in JAMB 2025: Proven Strategies for Success for deeper preparation strategies.
FAQ Schema (For Google Rich Snippets)
Q1: How much does JAMB correction of data cost?
A: It costs ₦2,500 per correction, excluding CBT service charges.
Q2: Can I correct my date of birth after admission?
A: Yes, but it may delay clearance. Always correct it before admission is finalized.
Q3: How many times can I change my institution?
A: You can change your institution twice, according to JAMB rules.
Q4: Where can I do JAMB data correction?
A: Only at JAMB approved CBT centres nationwide.
Q5: Can I correct my email on the JAMB portal?
A: No, emails and phone numbers cannot be corrected after registration.