Gaining admission into Nigerian universities or polytechnics through JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) is something that many students aim for. However, the admission process can sometimes be confusing. To help you understand it better, here are five important things you must know about JAMB admission in 2025/2026. These points will guide you in making better decisions and increase your chances of getting admitted.
1. Your JAMB Score Is Very Important
One of the most important things in the JAMB admission process is your JAMB score. This score is what schools use to determine if you qualify for admission into their institution. Every school has a minimum cut-off mark, which is the lowest score they accept for admission. Here’s what you need to know about JAMB scores:
- Cut-Off Marks: Different schools have different cut-off marks. For example, some universities might have a cut-off mark of 180, while others require 200 or higher.
- Competitive Courses: Courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering usually have higher cut-off marks because many students want to study them. If you are aiming for one of these courses, you need a very high JAMB score.
To increase your chances of admission, try to score as high as possible in your JAMB exam. The higher your score, the more likely you are to meet the cut-off mark for your preferred course and institution.
2. JAMB CAPS Will Determine Your Admission
The JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is a system that JAMB uses to manage the admission process. This system plays a big role in whether or not you get admitted. Here’s how JAMB CAPS works:
- Admission Offer: After the school selects candidates based on their JAMB scores and other criteria, the admission list is uploaded to the JAMB CAPS system. This is where you can see if you’ve been offered admission.
- Accept or Reject: If you are offered admission, you have to log into the JAMB CAPS system to either accept or reject the offer. If you don’t accept the offer within a certain period, you might lose the admission.
So, it is very important to check the JAMB CAPS system regularly to know your admission status and act quickly when you see an offer.
3. Post-UTME Exams May Still Be Conducted
Even after passing your JAMB exam, some schools still require you to sit for a Post-UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination). This is another test that schools use to further screen candidates. Here’s what to keep in mind about Post-UTME:
- Additional Screening: The Post-UTME exam tests your knowledge again in subjects related to your chosen course. You need to perform well in this exam to secure admission.
- Not All Schools Require It: Some schools do not conduct Post-UTME exams. They may admit students solely based on their JAMB scores and O’level results.
Before applying to a school, check whether they require Post-UTME so that you can prepare accordingly.
4. Your O’Level Results Matter
Apart from your JAMB score, your O’level results (such as WAEC or NECO) are also important for JAMB admission. These results will be checked during the admission process. Here’s how your O’level results can affect your admission:
- Minimum Requirements: Every course and institution has specific O’level requirements. For example, if you want to study Medicine, you must have strong grades in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English.
- Five Credits: Most institutions require a minimum of five credits in your O’level exams, including English Language and Mathematics.
Make sure you have the required O’level results for your chosen course, or your admission may be denied, even if you have a high JAMB score.
5. Change of Institution and Course Is Possible
Sometimes, after seeing your JAMB result, you may realize that you need to change the institution or course you initially applied for. This can happen if your score is not high enough for your first choice or if you change your mind about the course you want to study. Fortunately, JAMB allows students to make changes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Change of Institution: You can change the institutions you applied to if you feel your JAMB score is not enough for the school you originally selected. You can check out the list top 10 best federal universities in Nigeria.
- Change of Course: If you want to switch to a less competitive course or a course that better matches your interests, you can do that too.
Make sure to make these changes as early as possible, so you don’t miss out on admission opportunities.
Conclusion
Understanding the JAMB admission process is the basic for every student who wants to gain admission into a university or polytechnic in Nigeria. By knowing how important your JAMB score is, understanding the role of JAMB CAPS, preparing for Post-UTME, having the right O’level results, and knowing that you can change your course or institution, you will be better prepared for the 2025/2026 admission process.
Good luck with your JAMB exam and admission journey! Stay focused, work hard, and follow these steps to increase your chances of success.