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Destiny .M. George
- 5 Min Read
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Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make In Meeting Admission Requirements And How To Avoid Them
Every year, thousands of Nigerian students set their sights on gaining admission to universities, polytechnics, and colleges. However, many applicants find themselves disappointed due to simple, avoidable mistakes in meeting admission requirements. This article will address some of the most common errors and provide practical steps to avoid them.
1. Ignorance of Admission Requirements for Specific Courses
One of the biggest mistakes Nigerian students make is not knowing the specific admission requirements for the course they intend to pursue. Different courses and institutions have unique requirements, yet many students do not check these details before applying.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Students should research admission requirements for their intended course and institution long before applying. The official websites of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and individual universities often provide this information. Alternatively, consulting the JAMB brochure or speaking to academic counselors can clarify the specific subject combinations and grade requirements.
2. Choosing the Wrong JAMB Subject Combination
Another common mistake is choosing the wrong subject combination for JAMB, especially for competitive courses like medicine, law, and engineering. Each course has specific subjects that must be included in the JAMB exam. For example, a student applying for medicine must have biology, chemistry, physics, and English in their JAMB combination. Choosing the wrong subjects can make a student automatically ineligible, regardless of their scores.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Check the JAMB brochure or the official website for the correct subject combination for your course. Consult with teachers or guidance counselors if unsure, as this will save time, money, and effort in re-taking the exam or changing courses.
3. Poor Performance in O’Level Examinations
Most institutions in Nigeria require students to have a minimum of five credits in O’Level examinations (WAEC, NECO, or GCE), including English Language and Mathematics. Many students fail to meet this criterion either because they did not prepare adequately or didn’t understand the implications.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Adequate preparation is key. Students should be aware of the specific grades they need in O’Level subjects to qualify for their course of choice. Enrolling in tutoring sessions or using past questions can improve performance. Also, sitting for both WAEC and NECO exams can increase the chances of passing.
4. Late Registration and Incomplete Documentation
Procrastination is another factor that causes many Nigerian students to miss admission deadlines or submit incomplete applications. Institutions often have strict deadlines, and missing them could mean waiting another year to reapply. Late applications may also lead to errors or overlooked documents, making the application incomplete.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Set reminders for important dates and aim to complete registration at least two weeks before the deadline. Keep all documents (e.g., birth certificates, transcripts, O’Level results) in a secure, accessible place and double-check all uploads or submissions to ensure they’re complete.
5. Low JAMB Score and Inadequate Post-UTME Preparation
A low JAMB score can make it difficult for students to meet the cut-off for competitive courses and institutions. Furthermore, many Nigerian institutions require students to pass a Post-UTME examination, which can catch students off guard if they don’t prepare.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Start JAMB and Post-UTME preparation early by studying past questions, taking mock exams, and focusing on weak subjects. If your JAMB score falls below the required cut-off, consider other institutions or courses with lower requirements. This flexibility can significantly increase your chances of admission.
6. Overlooking State and Catchment Area Considerations
Federal universities in Nigeria often have a catchment area policy where a percentage of the slots are reserved for students from certain states. However, many students overlook this and apply to schools outside their catchment area, reducing their admission chances.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Understand the catchment area policies of the institutions you’re applying to, especially for competitive federal universities. Applying to a university where your state of origin is within the catchment area can increase your chances of being admitted. Private and state-owned universities usually do not follow this policy, so they may be good alternatives if you’re concerned about catchment constraints.
7. Ignoring the Merit List and Supplementary Admission Opportunities
Some students only focus on the merit list without considering supplementary admission opportunities. Merit lists are usually more competitive, while supplementary lists are sometimes more flexible, allowing students to be admitted into related courses.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Be open to alternative courses, especially if you’re close to meeting the cut-off but not quite there. Many institutions allow students to apply for supplementary admission into similar or related programs if they don’t make the merit list for their first-choice course.
8. Choosing Highly Competitive Courses Without a Backup Plan
Many students in Nigeria aspire to pursue courses like medicine, engineering, or law, which are highly competitive and often have high cut-off marks. When they don’t meet these criteria, they are left without alternatives.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Have a backup plan by selecting a second-choice course or institution that is less competitive. Consider courses that are closely related to your primary interest but have lower cut-off marks. This approach keeps your options open and may give you a path to eventually switch to your preferred course.
9. Lack of Knowledge on Direct Entry and Other Admission Pathways
Some students are unaware of alternative admission pathways, such as Direct Entry, remedial programs, or diploma-to-degree conversions. As a result, they either spend extra time attempting JAMB repeatedly or give up on their admission goals.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Research different pathways to admission if you encounter challenges with regular JAMB admission. Direct Entry is a viable option for students with an advanced diploma or higher qualification, while remedial and pre-degree programs offered by many universities provide an alternative entry route. These programs often have specific requirements, so ensure you meet them before applying.
10. Not Seeking Guidance or Assistance
Many students attempt the admission process alone, without seeking guidance from those with experience or professionals. As a result, they may not be aware of specific requirements, deadlines, or available options.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Reach out to guidance counselors, teachers, or relatives who have gone through the admission process. Additionally, joining online forums or social media groups where students share tips and advice can provide helpful insights. Understanding the experiences of others can help you avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
Meeting the admission requirements in Nigerian tertiary institutions can be challenging, but with adequate preparation, students can avoid these common mistakes. The key is to start early, do thorough research, and remain flexible. By understanding and following the tips provided above, prospective students can increase their chances of gaining admission to their desired institutions and courses.
Gaining admission into a Nigerian institution is not just about excelling academically; it requires careful planning, knowledge of the system, and attention to detail.
