Top 10 Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make When Applying For Admission — And How To Avoid Them

Applying for university admission in Nigeria is no small task. Between registering for JAMB, choosing the right course, selecting the best university, writing post-UTME exams, and trying to beat admission quotas, the entire process can feel like a full-time job. But even with all the hustle, many Nigerian students unknowingly sabotage their chances of admission by making avoidable mistakes.

In a country where competition is fierce—sometimes hundreds of thousands of students are vying for just a few thousand slots—there’s no room for error. One wrong move and your admission letter might never come. So if you're about to apply, currently applying, or even waiting for your admission status, this post is for you.

Here are the top 10 mistakes Nigerian students make when applying for admission, and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Course for Their Strengths or Interests

This is one of the most damaging and widespread mistakes. Many Nigerian students choose courses based on societal expectations, peer pressure, or family influence—rather than their actual academic strengths or passion.

For example:

A student who’s great in Literature is forced to study Medicine.

A commercial student chooses Engineering just because “it pays.”

Why This Is a Problem:

You’ll struggle in school, lose motivation, and even risk dropping out. Plus, admission processes are tougher when you don’t meet the required subject combinations or perform well in relevant exams.

How to Avoid It:

Choose a course aligned with your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

Do research on available careers and required skills.

Seek guidance from teachers or career counselors.

2. Ignoring the Importance of JAMB Subject Combination

Every course has specific JAMB subject requirements. But many students select subjects that don’t match their course of choice, leading to automatic disqualification—even with high scores.

Real Example:

A student applying for Law but doesn’t include Literature in JAMB? That’s a failed application.

How to Avoid It:

Use the official JAMB brochure or visit jamb.gov.ng to verify subject combinations.

Double-check each school’s specific requirements—some universities tweak them slightly.

3. Underestimating the Power of Catchment and University Quota Systems

Nigeria’s university admission system is influenced by factors like:

Catchment area (states close to the university)

Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS)

Merit quota

Many students focus only on popular federal universities without realizing they’re applying from states with lower chances.

How to Avoid It:

Apply to schools where you fall within the catchment area or ELDS if applicable.

Consider state or private universities with lower competition.

Don’t be afraid to choose “less hyped” schools with strong programs in your course.

4. Applying to Only One University

Many students apply to just one university during JAMB registration—usually a federal school with high cut-off marks—and put no backup options. That’s like betting all your money on one game!

Why It’s Risky:

If you miss the cutoff by even one mark, you’re left with no second chance that year.

How to Avoid It:

Choose a mix of options:

First choice: Federal or top private university

Second choice: State university

Third/Fourth choice: Polytechnics or Colleges of Education (if available)

Always have a plan B and C.

5. Applying to Highly Competitive Courses Without Realistic Scores

Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering are fiercely competitive in Nigeria. Students with average or even good scores still get rejected because the competition is that high.

Mistake:

Scoring 220 in JAMB and expecting to study Medicine at UNILAG? That’s wishful thinking.

How to Avoid It:

Know the average cut-off marks for your course and university.

If your score is below 250 and you’re not applying from a catchment area, consider changing your course or school.

Use the JAMB change of course/institution portal when necessary.

6. Waiting Too Long to Upload O’Level (WAEC/NECO) Results

This mistake has cost thousands of students their admission. Even if you scored 300 in JAMB, your application can be rejected if your WAEC/NECO result is not uploaded or verified on the JAMB CAPS portal.

Why It Happens:

Students think WAEC results are automatically synced.

Some use "awaiting result" and forget to update later.

How to Avoid It:

Upload your O’Level results to JAMB CAPS as soon as they’re released.

Visit a certified CBT center or JAMB office—not a random cyber café.

Confirm that your result reflects on your CAPS portal.

7. Missing Deadlines or Not Following Up

Some students lose admission opportunities because they missed a post-UTME registration date, didn’t check admission status regularly, or failed to accept admission on CAPS.

Example:

JAMB gives 72 hours to accept or reject admission offers. Miss that window, and the offer disappears.

How to Avoid It:

Set reminders for every stage: post-UTME registration, exam dates, admission lists.

Regularly check the JAMB CAPS portal and school websites.

Join school admission forums or WhatsApp groups to get updates.

8. Failing to Prepare Properly for Post-UTME

Many students think JAMB is the only hurdle. But for most universities, the post-UTME exam is the real deal. Even if you score 290 in JAMB, a low post-UTME result can cost you your admission.

How to Avoid It:

Treat post-UTME like a real exam. Study past questions.

Practice computer-based tests (CBT) to get familiar.

Attend coaching or use online mock exams if possible.

9. Lying or Submitting False Information

Some students use fake birth certificates, manipulated WAEC results, or false claims about state of origin to get ahead. Not only is this unethical, but it’s also risky.

Why It Backfires:

Universities crosscheck documents, especially during clearance.

If caught, you lose admission—even after registration.

You can be blacklisted by JAMB.

How to Avoid It:

Be honest. It’s not worth the risk.

If you have issues with your documents, resolve them legally.

10. Not Exploring Alternative Pathways (like Direct Entry, JUPEB, or Pre-degree)

When JAMB fails, many students wait till next year instead of looking into alternative admission routes like:

JUPEB

IJMB

Diploma programs

Pre-degree

Direct Entry (for OND/HND holders)

Why This Is a Mistake:

You lose a whole year without exploring faster, smarter routes to the same goal.

How to Avoid It:

Research programs offered by universities aside from UTME.

Ask alumni or school admission officers for guidance.

Consider institutions offering 2-year diploma-to-degree tracks.

Bonus: Letting Fear and Peer Pressure Control Decisions

Yes, your friends may be applying to UI or UNILAG. But your journey is different. Don’t follow the crowd blindly or let fear of rejection stop you from applying in the first place.

Believe in your abilities—but stay realistic. Work hard—but prepare for all outcomes.

Final Words: Be Strategic, Be Smart

Applying for admission in Nigeria is not a game of luck—it’s a game of strategy. If you’re intentional, informed, and focused, your chances increase dramatically.

Summary of What to Do:

Choose a course that suits your strength and passion.

Use the correct JAMB subject combination.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Prepare hard for both JAMB and post-UTME.

Upload your WAEC/NECO results early.

Don’t wait for miracles—explore alternatives.

Remember: missing out on admission doesn't mean you're a failure. It means it’s time to regroup, rethink, and try again—with a smarter approach.