How Parents Can Support a UTME Candidate

By JAMB Advisor Editorial · 11 Nov 2026

Parents and guardians play a big role in a candidate's admission journey — often paying fees, travelling to centres and helping make decisions. Your support works best when it is informed and calm. Here is how to help at each stage.

Before registration

Help check the NIN details. The name and date of birth must be correct before the JAMB profile is created.
Discuss the course openly. Ask what your child enjoys and is good at, and what career they imagine. A course chosen only by the parent can lead to poor motivation.
Check the subject combination together using the JAMB brochure or our subject checker. This is the most expensive mistake to fix later.
Agree on a realistic first-choice institution, considering competition, distance and cost. See our guide on choosing an institution.
Use the family's own phone number and email, not an agent's.

During preparation

Provide a quiet study space and reasonable access to a computer or phone for CBT practice.
Encourage a routine rather than last-minute cramming.
Watch for stress. Rest, food and sleep improve performance.
Avoid comparisons with siblings or friends; they increase anxiety.

Around the exam

Make sure the exam slip is printed and the centre located in advance.
Plan transport so the candidate arrives early.
Remind them not to carry phones or prohibited items into the hall.

After the result

Respond calmly whatever the score. Your reaction affects how well your child can think about next steps.
Look at the facts together: score, cut-offs, and options.
Consider alternatives if needed: another institution, a related course, polytechnic or Direct Entry. Read our guide on what to do with a lower score.

During admission

Help your child check JAMB CAPS regularly and understand what each status means.
Make sure O'Level results are uploaded.
Keep copies of all documents and receipts in one folder.
Pay only through official portals.

Protect your family from scams

Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed admission, score "upgrades" or leaked questions. These are scams. Read our guide to admission scams.

Stay informed together

On JAMB Advisor, parents can create a parent account and link to their child's account (with the child's approval) to follow progress, upcoming dates and the admission checklist. Create a parent account.