2027 UTME: JAMB Outlines 5 Critical Mistakes Candidates Must Avoid

​As preparations for the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) gather momentum, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged prospective candidates to begin early preparation and avoid crucial mistakes that could jeopardize their admission chances.
​In an official video shared via its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the examination body identified late preparation, poor course selection, wrong subject combinations, failure to monitor official updates, and personal details errors during registration as major setbacks facing candidates.
​According to JAMB, addressing these five common pitfalls early will significantly improve candidate performance and streamline the admission process:
​Late Preparation: Delaying study until weeks before the exam prevents full coverage of the UTME syllabus. JAMB encourages candidates to build consistent reading habits, follow a realistic study timetable, and practice past questions well in advance.
​Uninformed Course & Institution Selection: Registering without reviewing school requirements often leads to disqualification. Candidates should research preferred institutions and verify O’level requirements before registering.
​Incorrect Subject Combinations: A high UTME score will not secure admission if the subject combination is wrong. Candidates must confirm required subjects using JAMB’s Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) at ibass.jamb.gov.ng.
​Ignoring Official Announcements: Missing updates regarding deadlines, guidelines, or schedules can cause avoidable delays. Candidates are advised to rely strictly on JAMB’s official website (jamb.gov.ng) and verified channels.
​Data Errors During Registration: Inconsistencies in names, date of birth, National Identification Number (NIN), or phone numbers create major verification issues. Candidates must double-check all details before final submission at accredited CBT centres.
​JAMB emphasized that success in the 2027 UTME requires a combination of academic readiness, accurate information, and strict adherence to official registration guidelines.