The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has identified five mistakes prospective candidates should avoid ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has identified five common mistakes prospective candidates should avoid ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The examination body warned that these mistakes could affect candidates’ examination performance and admission chances if they fail to address them early.
JAMB shared the warning in a video published on its official X account on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The board advised prospective candidates to prepare ahead of registration rather than wait until the examination draws closer.
Here are five mistakes JAMB wants 2027 UTME candidates to avoid.
1. Starting preparation late
JAMB identified late preparation as one of the common problems affecting UTME candidates.
Some candidates begin serious reading only a few weeks before the examination. This leaves them with limited time to cover the syllabus, practise past questions and understand difficult topics.
The board advised candidates to establish a consistent reading routine and prepare a realistic study timetable early.
2. Choosing courses without checking admission requirements
Another mistake is selecting a course or institution without first checking its admission requirements.
JAMB advised candidates to research their preferred institutions and courses before completing registration.
They should also confirm the required O’level credits to avoid choosing programmes for which they do not meet the basic requirements.
3. Selecting the wrong UTME subject combination
Choosing an incorrect subject combination can affect a candidate’s admission prospects, regardless of the score obtained in the examination.
JAMB urged candidates to confirm the subjects required for their preferred courses before registration.
The board directed prospective candidates to its Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS), available at https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng, to check approved subject combinations and admission requirements.
4. Ignoring official JAMB announcements
JAMB also warned candidates against ignoring updates from the examination body.
Missing important announcements could create problems with registration deadlines, examination schedules and changes to registration procedures.
The board advised candidates to visit its official website, https://www.jamb.gov.ng, regularly and follow its verified communication channels.
This will help them stay informed and avoid relying on unverified information circulating on social media.
5. Entering incorrect personal information
The fifth mistake involves providing inaccurate personal details during registration.
JAMB warned that errors in candidates’ names, dates of birth, National Identification Number (NIN) details and phone numbers could cause verification problems.
Such mistakes may affect registration and subsequent admission processing.
The board advised candidates to compare their details with their official records before visiting an accredited registration centre. They should also review every entry carefully before submitting their forms.
What 2027 UTME candidates should do before registration
JAMB’s warning highlights the importance of preparing for the examination beyond reading textbooks.
Candidates should identify their preferred courses, confirm admission requirements and check the correct subject combinations before registration begins.
They should also ensure that their personal information is accurate and follow updates from the examination body.
Taking these steps early could help candidates avoid preventable registration problems and improve their chances of securing admission.