7 Major Factors Affecting Your Chances of Admission in Nigeria
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| 7 Major Factors Affecting Your Chances of Admission in Nigeria |
Discover the top 7 factors that can affect your chances of gaining admission into Nigerian universities. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and boost your admission success.
Getting admission into a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education can be very competitive. Every year, thousands of students apply through JAMB, but only a fraction get admitted. If you’ve ever wondered why some students get admitted easily while others don’t, this post breaks down the key factors that can affect your chances of admission — and how to fix them.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Failing Mathematics or English in Your O’Level
Your O’Level results are the foundation of your admission process. If you fail Mathematics or English Language, it can immediately disqualify you from being admitted, regardless of your JAMB score.
These two subjects are compulsory for nearly all courses in Nigerian institutions. Even if your JAMB result is excellent, failing either of them means you won’t meet the minimum admission requirement.
Tip: If you’ve failed any of these subjects, consider resitting for WAEC, NECO, or GCE as soon as possible.
2. Wrong JAMB Subject Combination
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination. Each course has specific subjects required by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
For instance:
- Medicine and Surgery: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Law: English, Literature, Government, CRS or Economics
- Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Always check the official JAMB Brochure on https://www.jamb.gov.ng to confirm the correct subjects for your course before registering.
3. Wrong O’Level Subject Combination
Even if your JAMB combination is correct, an incorrect O’Level subject combination can still ruin your chances. For example, you cannot study Accounting without Economics or Government. Similarly, missing out on Biology can affect your application for Nursing or Medicine.
Always ensure that your WAEC/NECO subjects align with your chosen course. Use the JAMB eBrochure to double-check the required subjects.
4. Failing Your Core Subject in O’Level
Every course has one or two core subjects that carry extra weight during screening. Failing these subjects can make your application weaker.
For example:
- Failing Biology affects health-related courses.
- Failing Government affects social science courses.
- Failing Physics affects engineering courses.
If you didn’t perform well in your core subject, you can rewrite your exam or apply for a related but less competitive course.
Stay informed: For the latest admission news, updates, and school announcements, join this official WhatsApp education channel for free alerts.
5. Low JAMB Score
Your JAMB UTME score determines your eligibility for admission into most schools. A low score automatically limits your choices, especially if your preferred course is highly competitive (like Medicine, Law, or Engineering).
To increase your chances:
- Target 200 and above for most universities.
- Consider polytechnics or colleges of education if your score is below 180.
- Participate in JAMB Mock Exams to practice before the real test.
You can also explore free JAMB tutorials and past questions on YouTube.
6. Low Screening or Post-UTME Score
After passing JAMB, most schools conduct screening tests or Post-UTME exams. Your performance in this stage often determines your final admission status.
A strong screening score can help you gain admission even if your JAMB score was slightly lower.
To prepare effectively, use past questions and answers available on educational websites like myschool.ng.
7. Being Underage
Most Nigerian universities require candidates to be at least 16 years old before they can be officially admitted. This is because of legal and maturity considerations.
If you are under 16, your admission may be delayed until the following academic year.
Pro Tips to Improve Your Admission Chances
- Always double-check your O’Level and JAMB subject combinations.
- Aim for a JAMB score above 200.
- Prepare thoroughly for Post-UTME exams.
- Apply early during admission registration periods.
- Keep monitoring school websites for admission lists and updates.
Stay up to date with verified school news via the JAMB portal and the official NUC website for accreditation information.
Don’t Let Small Mistakes Block Your Admission
Getting admission in Nigeria doesn’t have to be stressful — you just need to avoid these common mistakes. Always confirm your subject combinations, pass your core subjects, and maintain a good JAMB and screening score.
Stay ahead of others by following verified updates, school announcements, and scholarship news through this education WhatsApp channel or visit your preferred institution’s official website for the latest updates.
With the right preparation and awareness, your admission success is closer than you think.
