Secure Admission This JAMB Year. I keep telling my students: “JAMB is one half of the equation.” There’s so much more to securing admission than just passing JAMB. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a big deal. A very big one. But if the other pieces of the puzzle aren’t in place, you may still end up with nothing.
I hope this article helps admission seekers enter school the right way, though I already know some circles won’t like certain parts of it.
Your school and course of choice matter
A whole lot.
Who are we kidding? You and I both know there are some schools and courses that, if you don’t do exceptionally well, have enough money, or know the VC, it will be difficult for you to enter.
Another thing students fail to consider is catchment. Catchment plays a bigger role in state universities, but don’t deceive yourself into thinking federal schools are not involved at all. It still shows up in subtle ways.
Then there is your course.
If you are going for LAW, for example, please meet the criteria beyond the JAMB cutoff. Your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB result has to be solid. Your Post-UTME score (if applicable) has to “show workings.” In other words, it must clearly prove you deserve the slot.
Some courses simply have too many applicants and too few spaces. When that happens, schools start filtering people out very quickly.
Are you a high scorer?
If yes, move along.
If no, you need to leave that popular school and course for people wey get am.
This part might not sound nice, but it is the truth many students avoid.
Every year, thousands of candidates with 190–220 insist on UNILAG Medicine, UI Law, OAU Nursing, and similar combinations. Meanwhile, people with 270+ are applying for the same slots.
Admission doesn’t run on vibes.
Schools rank candidates. When the numbers are tight, they start from the top scorers downward. By the time the list gets to the middle, the available spaces might already be exhausted.
So you need to be honest with yourself.
If your score is average, choose a strategic school or course where your score actually competes. That simple decision alone can be the difference between getting admission this year or spending another year writing JAMB again.
What’s next after JAMB?
Many students miss admission because after JAMB, they sit down and wait.
You should not be doing that.
After JAMB is actually when the real admission process begins.
You should be following admission updates around your course and school like your life depends on it. This is the period where smart candidates position themselves properly.
This is when you:
- Make absolutely sure your O’level result fits the course requirements
- Upload and reupload your O’level result on JAMB CAPS if necessary
- Gather all your documents
- Prepare for Post-UTME screening or examination
- Monitor your school’s announcements closely
Missing just one small update can delay your admission.
This is why I always tell students to regularly check our website for admission updates about their school and course so they don’t get caught unaware.
Finally, be willing to JUMP SHIP
If you want to secure admission this year, you don’t owe any school loyalty.
It took me four years as a student to fully understand this reality.
Schools will drop you immediately if you don’t meet their cutoff or for any reason they decide. If they can move on that easily, why can’t you move on too when things aren’t working in your favor?
If you notice the odds are against you—change course, change school, or change strategy early enough.
That decision alone might save you an extra year at home.
Admission is hard for many and easy for a few. The difference is usually planning, awareness, and timing.
You can fit into the few.
Arrange yourself now and avoid last-minute rushing.
Good luck.
