Every year, millions of Nigerian students embark on the crucial journey of registering for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, a standardized test required for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. This registration process is not just a formality; it is a decisive step that determines whether a candidate will successfully gain admission or face setbacks.
Unfortunately, many candidates make costly errors during registration due to a lack of awareness, negligence, or misinformation. These mistakes can lead to disqualification, unnecessary delays, or additional costs to rectify errors. Some candidates have even lost their chances of securing admission simply because of an avoidable registration mistake.
If you are preparing to register for JAMB, this guide is for you. A single mistake could cost you an entire academic year, delaying your admission and increasing financial burdens. To help you navigate the process seamlessly, we have compiled the most common JAMB registration mistakes and expert solutions to prevent them.
Entering Incorrect Personal Information
One of the most critical mistakes candidates make is providing incorrect personal details, such as their name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin. Many candidates enter their names in the wrong order, and this can create serious discrepancies during admission processing.
For example, if your birth certificate states your full name as “Ikechukwu Okeke David”, it must be written exactly the same way during JAMB registration. Writing it as “David Okeke Ikechukwu” or “Okeke David Ikechukwu” is incorrect and could cause serious problems when your credentials are being verified.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Double-check all personal details before submitting your registration.
- Ensure your name matches your birth certificate, WAEC/NECO result, and national ID card.
- Note that JAMB does not permit changes to names or date of birth after registration. Mistakes here could affect your admission process.
Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination
Many candidates fail to research the correct subject combination for their desired course. Unfortunately, selecting the wrong subjects can lead to automatic disqualification from admission into your preferred institution.
For example, a candidate who wants to study Medicine and Surgery but selects Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry instead of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics has already jeopardized their admission chances.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Before registration, confirm the correct JAMB subject combination for your course.
- Check the JAMB official brochure or visit educational websites that provide up-to-date subject requirements.
- If unsure, consult an experienced school counselor or a JAMB-accredited registration center before making a choice.
Ignoring the Official Registration Guidelines
JAMB releases detailed registration guidelines every year, yet many candidates fail to read them. As a result, they make costly mistakes, such as using the wrong documents, missing deadlines, or providing incomplete information.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Read the latest JAMB registration guidelines on the official JAMB website.
- Ensure you understand all the requirements before starting the registration process.
- If confused, seek help from an accredited CBT center to avoid errors.
Registering at an Unapproved CBT Center
One of the most serious mistakes candidates make is registering at unapproved cybercafés or illegal centers. Many fraudulent operators charge extra fees, provide incorrect details, or fail to properly submit candidates’ registration to JAMB. Some candidates only discover that their registration was never completed when it is too late.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Always register at a JAMB-approved CBT center to ensure your details are properly captured.
- JAMB provides an official list of accredited centers on its website—use it to locate the closest approved center.
- Avoid any cybercafé that claims it can register you faster or cheaper—these shortcuts often lead to disaster.
Using an Inactive or Incorrect Email Address
Your email address is essential for receiving important JAMB updates, retrieving your profile, and logging into the JAMB portal. Some candidates mistakenly use an inactive, misspelled, or incorrect email, making it impossible to access their accounts.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Use a valid, accessible email address for JAMB registration.
- Double-check the spelling of your email before submission.
- If you do not have an email, create a new one before registering and keep your login details safe.
Biometric Issues and Fingerprint Errors
JAMB requires biometric verification during registration and examination. If your fingerprint is not properly captured, you may not be allowed to write the exam. Some candidates experience fingerprint mismatches, which can lead to disqualification.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Ensure that your fingerprint is successfully scanned at the CBT center.
- If there is any issue, notify the JAMB official immediately and request assistance.
- Avoid using hand lotions or creams that may interfere with fingerprint scanning.
Failing to Print the Registration Slip
After registration, some candidates forget to print their confirmation slip, which is proof of successful registration. Without this slip, retrieving your details or making corrections later can become extremely difficult.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Request a printout of your registration slip immediately after completing your registration.
- Keep multiple copies in a safe place for future reference.
- This slip contains your JAMB registration number, which is necessary for checking your result and admission status.
Registering Multiple Times
Some candidates, upon realizing they made a mistake during registration, attempt to register again using a different profile code. However, JAMB considers this an act of fraud and disqualifies candidates who register multiple times.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Be extremely careful when entering your details to minimize errors.
- If you make a mistake, do not register again—wait for JAMB to open the correction portal.
- You can correct errors such as wrong subjects, course selection, or institution choice through the JAMB correction process instead of registering multiple times.
Conclusion
JAMB registration is a crucial step in securing university admission in Nigeria. Unfortunately, many candidates fall into common traps that delay or destroy their chances of admission. From incorrect personal details to choosing the wrong subjects, ignoring guidelines, or registering at unauthorized centers, simple mistakes can have serious consequences.
However, with proper knowledge and preparation, these errors can be avoided. Always follow official JAMB guidelines, verify all personal information, register at accredited CBT centers, and use an active email address. By taking these precautions, you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on preparing for your exams instead of dealing with registration errors.
