These are the 11 documents people usually prepare when applying for a place at a Nigerian university. Check each item against the official instructions for your application.
Exam results
- JAMB UTME result slipPrint it from the JAMB portal. Keep your registration number safe.
- O-level results (WAEC, NECO or NABTEB)Original or statement of result, plus photocopies. Some schools want a scratch-card check.
- JAMB admission letter or CAPS statusNeeded after you are offered admission.
Identity and origin
- Birth certificate or declaration of ageUsually from the National Population Commission or a court.
- Local government (state of origin) certificateSigned by your local government. Some schools want it stamped.
- National Identification Number (NIN) slipNeeded for JAMB registration.
- Passport photographsRecent, plain background. Resize digital copies with the Image Resizer.
For Direct Entry
- A-level, ND, NCE or IJMB resultsOnly for Direct Entry. Bring transcripts and certificates.
After admission
- Medical fitness reportFrom an approved hospital, on the school’s form.
- Acceptance fee and school fees receiptsKeep the payment receipts.
- Guarantor’s formSome schools need a signed form with a passport photograph.
Prepare your files
- Scan every page in colour at about 200 dpi and save as PDF.
- If a portal rejects a file for size, compress it to 200 KB or 500 KB.
- For photographs, resize the image to 50 KB or the limit the form states.
- Name files clearly, for example Surname-Certificate.pdf, and keep the originals safe.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a place at a Nigerian university?
Usually: jamb utme result slip, o-level results (waec, neco or nabteb), jamb admission letter or caps status, and the other items on this list. Confirm the exact list with the organisation you are applying to.
Should I carry originals or copies?
Many places ask to see originals and keep photocopies. Bring both, and keep scanned copies on your phone or email in case a portal asks for uploads.
More checklists
Free tools you may need
Document Checklist
A tick-off list of the documents usually needed for admission, scholarships, visas, jobs and NYSC.
Post-UTME Score Calculator
Combine your JAMB score, Post-UTME score and O-level grades into one aggregate. Set the weights your school uses.
Scan to PDF
Scan paper with your camera or photos. Make a PDF, searchable PDF, Word file, text or JPG.
JPG to PDF
Combine multiple JPG or PNG images into a single PDF document.