Common WAEC registration mistakes and how to avoid them
Many candidates have faced serious problems in their WAEC and NECO in the previous years. Apart from withheld and in-debited results due to malpractice and potential debts, registration mistakes are also recurring issues for WAEC and NECO candidates.
The most painful part of it is that these errors and mistakes are avoidable. But if care is not taken, they usually lead to complications such as withheld results or the need for resits. The mistake and errors can even extend to JAMB registration of care is till not taken.
Hence, this article has been compiled to guide through common mistakes to take note of before you proceed with your WAEC, NECO and JAMB registration.
I already talked about things you need to know about JAMB before register in the article below. You can explore the article to get full details about JAMB and how to avoid its registration mistakes in 2025.
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3 WAEC Registration Mistakes To Avoid
WAEC April/May 2025 is fast approaching. Registration for the O Level examination has begun with a deadline until January 26, 2025 and a registration fee of ₦33,500 (includes e-token and commissions).
However, cautioning your self about the information you’ll submit during registration is crucial and this is why this guide is compiled to provides you a clear checklist that will help you to navigate the registration smoothly and easily.
1. Mistaking your last name or middle name for your first name.
This error is common among students who changes their names constantly. It’s important to note that consistency is key when it comes to personal information.
If you mistake your last name or middle name for your first name, then you will definitely have issues with your registration because the details you provided is not valid/tally with the ones on your National Identification Number (NIN) and probably not the same with the ones on your JAMB portal.
To be certain about the arrangement of your names, check your birth certificate and make sure it’s arranged in the same way as it’s on your NIN. If it’s not the same, modify your NIN to tally with the name on your birth certificate.
Once the modification has been made, then you can proceed using the names as it’s arranged on your birth certificate and NIN to register your WAEC, JAMB and other stuffs that require your personal information and identification.
Recall that WAEC no longer allows changes to the date of birth on certificates in its member countries, so it’s important to get it right from the beginning.
2. Late NIN Registration
In 2024, WAEC imposed a law that student without National Identification Number (NIN) will not be allowed to register for the senior secondary school last examination. In other words, WAEC registrations in Nigeria without a NIN is no longer possible. This move is aimed to curb impersonation and malpractice.
However, late NIN registration can hinder your WAEC registration to not be processed in the sense that the NIN registration can take some time before it gets validated due to high number of registration per day—especially in the time when telecom companies are blocking SIM cards.
In other words, if your NIN is not validate, you will not be able to complete your WAEC registration. To avoid this issue, register your NIN early at any NIMC enrollment Centre.
3. Wrong Subjects combination
This mistake affects students at the point of admission. If you don’t research your desire course subject combinations and you go ahead to register subject and omit one or more subject require to gain admission to that course in a particular university, there’s no way around it unless you change course, change institution or resit for another WAEC.
Choosing the correct subject combination for WAEC and NECO exams is one of the first things to do before registration. If you have a specific course in mind for university, research the required subjects beforehand so that you’ll know all the subjects required to register in WAEC or NECO and JAMB.
For example, if you want to study a management-related course like Accounting, Finance, Banking, Business Administration or Public Administration, ensure you register for the following subjects in WAEC: Mathematics, English, Economics, and any other two social subjects like Commerce, Marketing, Agriculture, Geography, and Financial Accounting.
However, keep in mind that WAEC subjects usually match JAMB requirements, so aim for at least a credit pass in the core subjects. If your school doesn’t offer some subjects, think about taking extra lessons or using WAEC’s e-study platform for self-paced learning.
Conclusion
Stay updated with official registration deadlines by checking the WAEC website or consulting with your school. For more complex issues or investigative purposes, be sure to forward your details to publicaffairs@waec.org.ng.
