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Destiny .M. George
- 7 Min Read
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Common Mistakes To Avoid On Nigerian University Admission Portals
Securing admission to a Nigerian university is a major goal for thousands of students each year. Yet, even with good grades and the right credentials, students can find their dreams delayed or derailed by small errors made on the university admission portals. From registration problems to application mix-ups, these common pitfalls can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll discuss the most frequent mistakes students make on Nigerian university admission portals and offer tips on how to avoid them.
1. Incorrect or Incomplete Information Entry
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is entering incorrect or incomplete information on their admission portal. This can range from spelling errors in names to incorrect subject grades or even the wrong course code. Admission portals often have strict guidelines about the information required, and discrepancies between your application and academic records can lead to disqualification.
How to Avoid: Double-check each field before submitting your information. Ensure that your name, date of birth, and other details match exactly with your records. After inputting all your information, take a few moments to review everything carefully before proceeding to the next page.
2. Wrong JAMB and O’Level Subject Combination
Choosing the wrong subject combination for your desired course is a significant error that can result in automatic disqualification. JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) and most Nigerian universities have specific subject requirements for each course, and failing to meet these requirements often leads to rejection.
For instance, applying for Medicine without having Biology and Chemistry as part of your JAMB subject combination is an error that can eliminate you from consideration. The same applies to other competitive courses like Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy.
How to Avoid: Research your intended course thoroughly to understand the required subject combination. JAMB provides a brochure that lists the subject requirements for each course; use it as your guide. Confirm the requirements for your course from your chosen university, as requirements may vary slightly between institutions.
3. Failing to Monitor Portal Notifications and Updates
University admission portals are frequently updated with new information, requirements, and timelines. Some applicants fail to stay informed about updates, which can lead to missed deadlines or incomplete applications.
How to Avoid: Regularly check the admission portal and your email for notifications and updates. Most universities communicate with applicants via email, so ensure you provide an active email address. Set reminders for deadlines or important dates, as the admission timeline is critical in securing a spot.
4. Using an Inappropriate Email Address
Some applicants overlook the importance of using a professional email address during the admission process. Email addresses with slang, humor, or inappropriate words can make your application appear unprofessional.
How to Avoid: Use a formal, recognizable email address, ideally with your first and last name. If your current email address doesn’t look professional, consider creating a new one solely for the admission process.
5. Failure to Pay Attention to Payment Processes
Most Nigerian university portals require payments for application forms, acceptance fees, and sometimes other fees like post-UTME screenings. Unfortunately, some applicants either fail to pay, miss deadlines for payment, or mistakenly pay into the wrong account. This often delays the application process, as the university will not process applications without payment confirmation.
How to Avoid: Confirm the exact amount, payment deadline, and the official payment method required. Many universities provide secure payment gateways on their portals. Avoid paying through unverified third-party platforms or accounts, as this can lead to fraud. Always keep payment receipts, as they may be needed for future reference.
6. Uploading the Wrong Documents or Poor Quality Images
Admission portals require applicants to upload specific documents, including passports, birth certificates, and result slips. Uploading incorrect or low-quality images or documents that do not meet the portal’s requirements can lead to disqualification. For instance, uploading a dark or blurry passport photograph, or a scanned copy of a result slip that is unreadable, may harm your application.
How to Avoid: Check the portal’s guidelines on document requirements, such as file type, size, and format, before uploading. Use a high-quality scanner or go to a professional scanning center if necessary. For your passport photograph, ensure that it is recent, clear, and meets the university’s specifications.
7. Missing the Post-UTME Screening or Examinations
Many Nigerian universities require candidates to take a Post-UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) screening or exam. Missing this screening is a common reason why many applicants fail to secure admission, as it is a mandatory part of the process.
How to Avoid: Confirm your screening schedule and make preparations ahead of time. Some universities conduct their screenings online, while others require applicants to appear physically on campus. Be sure to meet the requirements, like securing the screening pass and reviewing any relevant materials before the exam.
8. Not Checking Admission Status Regularly
After submitting applications, some candidates fail to monitor their admission status. This can cause issues because certain universities require accepted candidates to confirm their acceptance within a specific timeframe.
How to Avoid: Check your admission status regularly on both the university portal and JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System). JAMB CAPS is essential as it allows you to accept or reject admission offers. If you don’t respond promptly, your admission offer might be given to another candidate.
9. Overlooking the Importance of Document Verification
Some applicants do not realize the importance of ensuring that all uploaded documents are verified and accepted. If there are inconsistencies or errors in the documents, it can lead to disqualification.
How to Avoid: Carefully verify your documents, especially O’Level results, birth certificates, and identification details, to confirm they match the information provided on your application. Some universities conduct their verification process in stages, so keep checking to ensure your documents remain valid.
10. Applying to Courses Without Realistic Cut-Off Marks
Each university and program has a cut-off mark, which is the minimum score required to be eligible for admission consideration. Applying for a course without meeting the cut-off mark is one of the most common mistakes students make on Nigerian university portals.
How to Avoid: Research your preferred course’s cut-off mark and compare it with your JAMB and Post-UTME scores. If you fall below the cut-off, it may be wiser to apply to a less competitive course or explore other institutions with lower cut-off marks.
11. Entering Incorrect Exam Numbers or Registration Codes
Your JAMB registration number, O’Level examination number, and other unique identifiers are essential in linking your application to your results. Typing errors or mixing up these numbers can lead to the university being unable to validate your academic records.
How to Avoid: Carefully enter these numbers, and cross-check each one for accuracy. Keep your JAMB and examination details at hand during the application to avoid guesswork.
12. Ignoring the Admission Requirements of the Institution
Every institution has its own set of admission requirements, including age limits, specific subject combinations, and additional qualifications for particular courses. Ignoring these requirements can result in wasted time and effort on applications that have little chance of success.
How to Avoid: Take the time to read through the admission requirements for each institution and course you’re interested in. You can usually find these details on the university’s website or in the JAMB brochure. Tailor your applications to meet these specific requirements.
13. Failure to Cross-Check Information Before Submission
Once an application is submitted, making corrections can be difficult, if not impossible. A significant number of applicants submit without reviewing, which leads to errors that can’t be corrected later.
How to Avoid: Treat the final review as one of the most important steps. Take a break after filling out your application, then return to review every detail. If possible, ask someone else to look it over for additional accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the admission process on Nigerian university portals can be complex, and the pressure to get it right is high. By avoiding common mistakes such as using incorrect information, selecting wrong subject combinations, and failing to monitor deadlines, you can improve your chances of successfully securing admission. Remember that each detail counts, from payment accuracy to choosing the right course.With patience, organization, and vigilance, you can avoid these common errors and put yourself on a clear path to admission success.
