The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2025 registration is officially underway, running from February 3 to March 8, 2025. Thousands of students across Nigeria are rushing to secure their spots, but in the process, many make avoidable mistakes that can lead to stress, delays, or even disqualification.
JAMB is very strict with its registration process, and even a small error can cause serious problems during admission. To ensure a smooth registration and avoid unnecessary setbacks, you must be careful with every step.
Here are ten common mistakes JAMB candidates make—and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination
One of the biggest mistakes JAMB candidates make is selecting the wrong subject combination for their desired course. JAMB has specific subject requirements for each course, and failing to meet them can lead to automatic disqualification from admission.
Some candidates assume that their secondary school subjects will automatically match their course requirements. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. For example, a student applying for Medicine but choosing Mathematics instead of Biology as part of their UTME subjects might be disqualified.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Before choosing your subjects, carefully check the JAMB brochure to confirm the requirements for your preferred course and institution. The official JAMB brochure provides clear details on what each university expects.
2. Providing Incorrect Personal Information
Your name, date of birth, gender, and other details must be accurate during registration. If there are mistakes, correcting them later can be stressful, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible.
A simple error, such as spelling your name wrongly, can cause issues when printing admission letters or processing NYSC registration in the future.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Double-check all personal details before submitting your registration form. Ensure your name matches exactly with your NIN and O’Level results to avoid complications.
If you have already made a mistake, learn how to correct it by reading How to Change Date of Birth on My WAEC Certificate.
3. Using an Inactive Email or Phone Number
JAMB sends important updates, exam details, and results via email and SMS. Some candidates use old or inactive phone numbers and email addresses, which makes it difficult to receive notifications.
If you don’t receive JAMB messages, you might miss important information such as exam dates, reprinting details, or admission status updates.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Use a functional email and active phone number that you check regularly. If you don’t have an email, create one immediately before registration.
For more registration tips, read 12 Important Things to Do Before JAMB Registration 2025.
4. Failure to Obtain a National Identification Number (NIN)
JAMB requires all candidates to provide their NIN (National Identification Number) during registration. Without it, you cannot complete your registration. Some students assume they can register without a NIN, only to get stuck at the CBT center.
How to Avoid This Mistake
If you don’t have a valid NIN, visit an NIMC enrollment center immediately to register. Ensure that your NIN details match the information you will use for JAMB registration.
5. Registering at Unauthorized Centers
Some candidates register at cyber cafés or unaccredited centers, which can result in fraudulent registrations, extra charges, or even disqualification. Only JAMB-accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers are allowed to handle registrations.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Visit only approved JAMB CBT centers for registration. You can check the list of accredited centers on JAMB’s official website or through this guide on CBT centers.
6. Last-Minute Registration
Many students wait until the deadline before rushing to register. This increases the risk of:
- Making errors due to pressure
- Experiencing network failures
- Missing out if slots get filled up
How to Avoid This Mistake
Register early to avoid unnecessary stress. Early registration gives you enough time to correct mistakes, select the best exam center, and receive updates.
7. Ignoring the JAMB Brochure and Syllabus
Some students register blindly without checking the JAMB syllabus or brochure. This leads to choosing the wrong subjects and not preparing properly for the exam.
The JAMB syllabus outlines the topics that will appear in the exam, while the brochure provides course requirements for universities.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Download and study the JAMB syllabus and brochure before registering. You can access them online or read How to Prepare for JAMB 2025 UTME for study tips.
8. Uploading Incorrect O’Level Results
Your O’Level results play a major role in your admission process. Some candidates upload the wrong results or forget to upload them at all, leading to disqualification.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Ensure that your uploaded results match the subject requirements of your course. If you are using “Awaiting Result”, be ready to upload your WAEC or NECO results as soon as they are available.
For more information, check What Causes Failure in JAMB and How to Avoid It.
9. Skipping the Mock Examination
JAMB offers a mock exam to help candidates familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system. Many students ignore this, thinking it is not important.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Even though the mock exam is optional, it is highly recommended. It helps you:
- Get comfortable with CBT navigation
- Improve time management skills
- Reduce exam-day anxiety
To prepare better, read How to Prepare for JAMB Mock Examination 2025.
10. Ignoring Official JAMB Communications
Many candidates rely on rumors and unverified sources instead of checking JAMB’s official website and communication channels. This leads to misinformation, missed deadlines, and costly errors.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Follow JAMB’s official website, social media pages, and accredited news platforms for updates. Avoid relying on random blogs or WhatsApp groups that spread false information.
For more official updates, visit JAMB 2025 Official Portal regularly.
Final Thoughts
JAMB registration is an important step in your journey to higher education, and making costly mistakes can delay or even ruin your chances of gaining admission. By following the right process, double-checking your details, and using official resources, you can avoid unnecessary stress.
If you take the time to register correctly, prepare well, and stay informed, you will increase your chances of scoring high and getting admitted into your desired institution. To learn more about JAMB preparation, check out JAMB Secrets 2025 to Score Above 300.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—register wisely and start preparing today!
How do I change the email I mistakenly entered during registration please