Introduction

Every year, millions of Nigerian students sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination with the hope of gaining admission into tertiary institutions across the country. JAMB is a crucial gateway into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other higher institutions in Nigeria. Unfortunately, despite the importance of this examination, many students make costly mistakes during the JAMB registration process, mistakes that later affect their results, admission chances, or even disqualify them entirely.JAMB registration is not just about filling a form and writing an exam. It involves several steps such as profile creation, NIN verification, biometric capture, subject combination selection, choice of institutions, and uploading of O’Level results. A small error at any stage can lead to serious consequences, including wrong course choices, invalid subject combinations, loss of admission opportunities, or the need for expensive corrections later.This article explores eight major mistakes students make during JAMB registration, why these mistakes happen, their consequences, and practical ways to avoid them. Whether you are a first-time candidate or a returning applicant, understanding these mistakes will help you register correctly and improve your chances of securing admission.

Mistake 1: Using Incorrect or Inconsistent Personal Information

Explanation

One of the most common mistakes students make during JAMB registration is entering incorrect or inconsistent personal information. This includes errors in:

• Full name (spelling mistakes)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• State of origin
• Local government area
• Email address
• Phone number

Some students also use different names from what appears on their National Identification Number (NIN), WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results.

Why This Happens

• Carelessness during registration
• Allowing café operators to handle registration without supervision
• Lack of required documents during registration
• Ignorance of the importance of data consistency
• Rushing due to deadline pressure

Consequences

• Inability to link NIN successfully
• Problems during admission processing
• Disqualification during school screening
• Difficulty in NYSC registration later in life
• Costly data correction processes through JAMB

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Always cross-check your personal details before submission
• Ensure your names match your NIN and O’Level results
• Bring all required documents to the CBT centre
• Avoid registering in a hurry
• Personally confirm details on the computer screen before final submission

Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Course of Study

Explanation

Many students select courses they are not qualified for or courses they have no real interest in. Some choose courses simply because friends are choosing them, while others select popular courses without considering their abilities or academic background.

Why This Happens

• Parental pressure
• Peer influence
• Poor career guidance
• Lack of research about course requirements
• Misunderstanding of course content

Consequences

• Failure to meet admission requirements
• Low chances of admission
• Frustration during university studies
• Frequent change of course later
• Wasted years and financial resources

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Research your intended course thoroughly
• Check JAMB brochure for course requirements
• Align course choice with your strengths and interests
• Seek advice from guidance counselors
• Consider career prospects before choosing

Mistake 3: Selecting Wrong JAMB Subject Combination

Explanation

JAMB subject combination is critical. Each course has specific subjects that candidates must register for and sit in the UTME. Choosing the wrong subject combination automatically disqualifies a candidate from admission into that course, regardless of the score obtained.

Why This Happens

• Ignorance of course requirements
• Relying on outdated information
• Café operators making assumptions
• Students copying friends’ subject combinations
• Failure to consult JAMB brochure

Consequences

• Disqualification from chosen course
• Forced change of course or institution
• Loss of admission opportunity
• Additional expenses for change of course

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Download and study the official JAMB brochure
• Confirm subject combinations for each institution
• Ask qualified counselors or teachers
• Never assume subject combinations
• Double-check before submission

Mistake 4: Uploading Incorrect or Incomplete O’Level Results

Explanation

Many students upload incorrect O’Level results, incomplete results, or fail to upload their results at all. Some candidates upload awaiting results but forget to update them later.

Why This Happens

• Results not ready at registration time
• Ignorance of upload deadlines
• Technical issues at CBT centres
• Miscommunication with café operators
• Negligence after UTME

Consequences

• Ineligibility for admission
• Automatic rejection by institutions
• Issues during Post-UTME screening
• Loss of admission despite high UTME score

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Upload correct and complete results only
• If using awaiting result, set reminders to update
• Confirm upload status on JAMB CAPS
• Visit accredited CBT centres for updates
• Print and keep upload confirmation slip

Mistake 5: Choosing Institutions Without Understanding Their Requirements

Explanation

Some students select institutions without considering factors such as cut-off marks, admission policies, location, competitiveness, or acceptance of awaiting results.

Why This Happens

• Blind preference for popular schools
• Lack of information
• Influence from friends
• Overconfidence in UTME performance
• Ignorance of institutional policies

Consequences

• Low admission chances
• Failure to meet departmental cut-off marks
• Missed opportunities in less competitive schools
• Stress and disappointment

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Research each institution’s admission history
• Consider federal, state, and private options
• Choose realistic first and second choices
• Check Post-UTME requirements
• Balance ambition with practicality

Mistake 6: Registering at Unaccredited CBT Centres

Explanation

JAMB approves specific CBT centres each year. Some students register at unaccredited centres to save money or due to proximity, risking invalid registration.

Why This Happens

• Lack of awareness
• Cheaper registration fees
• Influence from roadside operators
• Urgency close to deadline

Consequences

• Invalid registration
• Loss of registration fee
• Biometric issues
• Inability to sit for UTME
• Stress and panic

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Check JAMB-approved CBT centre list
• Register only at accredited centres
• Avoid roadside cybercafés
• Confirm centre accreditation before payment
• Follow official JAMB announcements

Mistake 7: Poor Biometric Capture

Explanation

Biometric capture (fingerprints and facial image) is essential for JAMB registration and exam verification. Poor capture can lead to exam day issues.

Why This Happens

• Rushed registration
• Faulty biometric devices
• Inexperienced operators
• Dirty or injured fingers
• Poor lighting conditions

Consequences

• Biometric verification failure
• Being barred from the exam hall
• Loss of exam opportunity
• Stress and emotional trauma

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Ensure proper fingerprint capture
• Clean hands before capture
• Insist on recapture if unsure
• Choose reputable CBT centres
• Verify biometric confirmation slip

Mistake 8: Ignoring JAMB CAPS and Admission Updates

Explanation

Many students register for JAMB but fail to monitor their admission status on JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System).

Why This Happens

• Ignorance of CAPS importance
• Lack of internet access
• Over-reliance on schools
• Poor guidance

Consequences

• Missing admission offers
• Failure to accept admission on time
• Automatic forfeiture of admission
• Confusion during clearance

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Regularly check JAMB CAPS
• Accept or reject admission promptly
• Monitor transfer approval requests
• Follow institutional updates
• Seek guidance when confused

Conclusion

JAMB registration is a critical process that determines a student’s future academic journey. Unfortunately, many students make avoidable mistakes due to ignorance, carelessness, or poor guidance. These mistakes can cost candidates their admission, time, money, and emotional well-being.By understanding the eight common mistakes students make during JAMB registration, you can take proactive steps to avoid them. Always research thoroughly, seek proper guidance, use accredited centres, verify all information, and stay updated throughout the admission process.A successful JAMB registration is not just about scoring high marks—it starts with doing the right things from the very beginning.