How to Correct Mistakes on JAMB Portal
The regulating authority in charge of running and administering Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria is the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This is a very important test required by candidates who wish to be admitted to universities, polytechniques and other institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. JAMB registration however is sometimes confusing or prone to errors. Be it a typing error in your name, error in your choice of course or subject, or any other thing, it is necessary to rectify such errors as soon as possible.
Addressing the faults at the stage of registration will help avoid disqualification or other problems that can occur in the course of the examination. Fortunately, JAMB provides the applicant with the option of correcting the different parts of the registration form via its online platform. This article will be taking you through the process of correcting errors on the JAMB registration portal, the most common errors, the kinds of corrections that can be made and some tips that are important to follow to help the process of registering on JAMB run smoothly.
Common Mistakes in JAMB Registration
Before discussing how to correct mistakes, it’s important to understand the common errors that candidates make during the JAMB registration process. These mistakes can occur in any part of the registration and could potentially affect the success of your application.
1. Incorrect Personal Information
Personal information errors are among the most frequent mistakes candidates make when filling out their JAMB registration forms. This could include:
- Spelling mistakes in names: Misspelled names or wrong placements of first, middle, or last names.
- Wrong date of birth: A mistake in the birthdate could create issues with your eligibility or admission into institutions that have strict age requirements.
- Incorrect gender or marital status: Sometimes, candidates inadvertently select the wrong gender or marital status, which may seem trivial but could cause problems later.
- State of origin errors: This is particularly important as it is often used to determine eligibility for state-based quotas and scholarships.
Such mistakes need to be corrected, as they are key identifiers in the admissions process.
2. Mistakes in Choosing the Right Course and Institution
Another common mistake is selecting the wrong course or institution during registration. Candidates often make this mistake when they either:
- Choose the wrong course of study: This can happen if a candidate is uncertain about the course they want to pursue or mistakenly selects a course that doesn’t align with their desired career path.
- Select the wrong institution: Some candidates might accidentally choose a school they don’t intend to attend. This is a critical mistake because once the registration is completed, it can be difficult to change the institution.
Changing the course or institution is often a bit more complicated, but JAMB allows candidates to make corrections during the registration window.
3. Wrong Subject Combinations
Every course has a specific combination of subjects that candidates must write for the UTME. Sometimes, candidates mistakenly select the wrong combination of subjects for their desired course. For example, a candidate applying for Medicine may select subjects unrelated to the medical field, which will cause issues during the examination process.
4. Incorrect Passport Photograph
A passport photo is a crucial part of the JAMB registration. JAMB has specific requirements for the photo format, size, and clarity. If the photograph uploaded by the candidate doesn’t meet the required standards (e.g., blurry or incorrect size), it may result in rejection or issues during biometric verification.
5. Wrong Choice of Exam Center
The choice of exam center is another area where candidates can make mistakes. Choosing the wrong location can cause inconvenience on the day of the exam. Sometimes, candidates might opt for a center too far from their residence or, conversely, one that is too close, where they might face overcrowding.
6. Other Minor Mistakes
- Typo in your email address or phone number: A simple typo can cause communication issues, making it difficult for you to receive important updates regarding your registration and exam.
Now that we have identified the common mistakes, let’s look at how to fix them on the JAMB registration portal.
How to Correct Mistakes on the JAMB Registration Portal
The JAMB portal allows candidates to correct certain mistakes, provided they are still within the official correction period. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to correct mistakes on your JAMB registration form.
Step 1: Visit the JAMB Portal
To initiate the correction process, the first step is to visit the official JAMB registration portal.
- Website: https://www.jamb.gov.ng
It’s essential to make sure you are visiting the official portal to avoid phishing sites or fraudsters.
Step 2: Log In to Your Profile
After visiting the JAMB portal, you will need to log in to your JAMB profile using your Email Address and Password. This is the same account you used during your initial registration.
If you’ve forgotten your password or you cannot access your profile, there are password recovery options available on the portal. You can reset your password via email or phone number.
Step 3: Navigate to the Correction Section
Once you’ve logged in successfully, you will be directed to your JAMB profile page. On this page, you’ll find a menu with different options related to your registration.
- Look for the “Registration Details Correction” option in the menu. It is usually located in the dashboard or under the “Manage Profile” section.
- Click on the “Registration Details Correction” option to proceed to the correction page.
Step 4: Choose the Type of Correction
When you access the correction page, you’ll be presented with several types of corrections you can make. These may include:
- Personal Information Correction: This is for corrections related to your name, date of birth, gender, or state of origin.
- Course and Institution Correction: If you selected the wrong course or institution during registration, you can change this at this stage.
- Subject Combination Correction: You can correct the combination of subjects you selected for the UTME.
- Photograph Correction: If your passport photo is blurry or incorrect, you can upload a new one.
- Exam Center Correction: If there is a mistake in your chosen exam center or you wish to change it, you can do so here.
Step 5: Payment for Correction (if Applicable)
Some corrections on the JAMB portal may require a payment fee. The fee typically applies when making changes to your course or institution, and sometimes when changing your exam center.
Ensure that you have a valid debit card, bank transfer options, or mobile payment setup before proceeding. The amount you will be required to pay will be displayed during the correction process.
- Payment Options: You can pay using a debit card, through a bank transfer, or via other available online payment methods.
- Receipt: Once payment is successful, you will be issued a payment receipt. Keep this receipt for future reference.
Step 6: Complete the Correction Process
After making the required payment (if applicable), you will be prompted to enter the new details you want to update.
For example:
- If correcting your name, enter the correct spelling.
- If changing your course or institution, select the correct options from the available list.
- If modifying your subject combination, ensure you choose the right subjects for your intended course of study.
Once you have filled in the correct details, double-check everything before clicking the “Submit” button. After submitting, your changes will be forwarded to JAMB for verification and approval.
Step 7: Confirmation of Correction
After submitting your corrections, JAMB will review the changes to ensure everything is accurate. You will receive a confirmation notification via email or SMS once the corrections have been verified and approved.
You should also return to the JAMB portal to check if the changes have been made on your profile. If you notice any issues, you can contact JAMB customer support for further assistance.
Important Things to Know When Correcting Mistakes on the JAMB Portal
While the process for correcting mistakes on the JAMB portal is relatively straightforward, there are some essential things you should keep in mind:
1. Timeframe for Correction
JAMB typically allows candidates to make corrections within a specific window, which is usually a few weeks after the registration deadline. Ensure you make the necessary corrections before the deadline. Once the correction window closes, you won’t be able to make changes.
2. Limits on Corrections
Not all mistakes can be corrected through the JAMB portal. For example, issues like biometric data errors (e.g., fingerprint issues) require candidates to visit a JAMB office for resolution. Always check the JAMB website for detailed information on what can and cannot be corrected online.
3. Multiple Corrections
If you need to make multiple corrections (e.g., both your name and course), ensure that you follow the correct process for each. For each correction, a separate fee may be required.
4. Documentation for Verification
In some cases, particularly with personal information corrections (such as name or date of birth), you may be required to provide official documentation to back up the correction request. For instance, you might need to upload a birth certificate or other forms of ID.
5. Double-Check Before Submitting
Ensure that all the information entered during the correction process is accurate. A small mistake in your details can cause significant problems in the long run. If possible, have someone else.
Double-Check Before Submitting (continued)
If possible, have someone else review your corrections with you to ensure there are no new mistakes. This second set of eyes can help catch errors you might overlook. Once submitted, some corrections may be irreversible, or require additional payment and documentation to amend again.
Documents Required for JAMB Correction
Depending on the type of correction you are making, JAMB may request supporting documents. Below are the types of documents that may be required and when they might be needed:
1. Name Correction
- Birth certificate or court affidavit.
- National Identification Number (NIN) data that matches the corrected name.
2. Date of Birth Correction
- Valid birth certificate issued by a government authority.
- NIN data showing the correct date of birth.
3. Gender Correction
- A sworn affidavit from a court.
- Valid ID with the correct gender.
4. State or LGA of Origin Correction
- State of Origin Certificate or any document issued by a recognized local government.
5. Course/Institution Change
- No document is usually required unless there are discrepancies later during admission.
- Ensure that your O’Level results align with the course and institution requirements.
6. Subject Combination Correction
- JAMB brochure (to verify the correct combination).
- You may not need documentation, but the right combination is crucial for eligibility.
Cost of Making Corrections on the JAMB Portal (2025)
Here is a breakdown of the typical fees involved when correcting mistakes on the JAMB portal. Note that these fees may change annually, so always confirm via the official JAMB website:
| Type of Correction | Fee (₦) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Institution/Course | ₦2,500 – ₦3,000 | Payable online via Remita or other gateways |
| Correction of Personal Data | ₦2,500 | Name, gender, DOB, LGA, etc. |
| Subject Combination Correction | ₦2,500 | Based on your course requirements |
| Passport Photograph Correction | ₦2,500 | Requires good-quality new photo |
| Exam Center Correction | ₦2,500 | Based on availability and approval |
Note: Bank charges or service charges may apply in addition to the correction fee.
JAMB Support Channels for Correction Issues
If you encounter issues while trying to make corrections or if your payment isn’t going through, you can reach out to JAMB through the following support channels:
1. JAMB Offices Nationwide
You can visit any accredited JAMB office or CBT center for assistance with:
- Biometric correction.
- Payment issues.
- Documentation verification.
2. JAMB Support Ticket System
You can raise a complaint or enquiry through the JAMB support platform:
- Visit: https://www.jamb.gov.ng
- Click on Support at the top of the homepage.
- Fill the complaint form and provide your registration details.
3. Contact JAMB Directly
- Phone: 0700-JAMB-123
- Email: support@jamb.gov.ng
- Social Media: JAMB is active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
4. Visit Accredited CBT Centers
For candidates in remote areas, JAMB-accredited CBT centers can help with minor corrections and guide you through the online portal.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Course or Institution on JAMB Portal (Detailed Walkthrough)
Let’s break down one of the most common correction types: Change of Course or Institution.
Step 1: Log in to JAMB Profile
- Go to https://www.jamb.gov.ng
- Click on eFacility
- Enter your login details
Step 2: Choose “Correction of Data”
- Once logged in, scroll to find “Correction of Data”
- Select “Change of Course/Institution”
Step 3: Make Payment
- You will be directed to pay ₦2,500 (or the latest fee)
- Choose your preferred payment method
- Confirm payment and proceed
Step 4: Select New Course/Institution
- Choose your new institution (first choice, second choice, etc.)
- Select the correct course
- Review your selection before submitting
Step 5: Print Confirmation Slip
- After a successful change, print the “Acknowledgement Slip”
- Keep it safe — it may be required during admission screening
Consequences of Not Correcting Errors
Failing to correct registration errors could lead to:
1. Ineligibility for Admission
Universities and other institutions have strict entry requirements. A wrong subject combination or an incorrect course can make you automatically ineligible.
2. Invalid Results
If your data doesn’t match your NIN or WAEC/NECO records, your UTME results might be withheld or delayed.
3. Delayed Admission Process
Incorrect personal details can delay your screening or even result in disqualification from post-UTME processes.
4. Missed Communication
Wrong phone numbers or email addresses mean you won’t receive updates about your exam center, date, or post-UTME.
5. Stress and Financial Loss
You might need to re-register the following year if your mistakes aren’t corrected early enough.
Pro Tips to Avoid JAMB Registration Mistakes
To help future candidates avoid errors in their JAMB registration, here are some practical tips:
1. Register Early
Last-minute registration often leads to rushed entries and avoidable mistakes.
2. Use Accurate Documents
Use your birth certificate, NIN, O’Level results, and school credentials when filling out the form to ensure accuracy.
3. Consult the JAMB Brochure
The JAMB brochure helps guide subject combinations and institution requirements. Always cross-check before selecting your course and subjects.
4. Verify Details with Your School
Some institutions have specific requirements that go beyond JAMB’s general guidelines. Confirm with your school of choice.
5. Visit Accredited CBT Centers Only
Only JAMB-approved CBT centers should be used for registration to avoid fraud and misinformation.
6. Save and Print Everything
Keep hard and soft copies of your registration slip, correction acknowledgement, and payment receipts.
Conclusion
Fixing errors in the JAMB registration portal is not a choice, it can be a life or death matter in how effortlessly your admission process can be carried out. Wrongly entered personal details, wrongly combined subjects, or incorrect choice of the institution might cost you precious time, money, and maybe even the opportunity to study.
Take the correction process seriously and use the formal procedure on the JAMB portal. Don’t wait, when the correction period is over there is not much you can do. You can be correcting your name, switching your course, or switching your exam centre, either way, you need to do it on time and you should have a record of everything that was corrected.
Should you be at any loss of how to carry out the process, contact JAMB or an accredited CBT center. And don’t forget – when you first register, be sure to give correct details. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.