For candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remains the official gatekeeper. Using the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), candidates can monitor their admission status online.
One of the most confusing statuses on CAPS is “Admission in Progress”. Many students celebrate it as a sign of admission, but some later find that the status changes back to “Not Admitted”, causing anxiety and uncertainty.
This 2025 guide provides a thorough explanation of why this can happen, the factors influencing it, how often it occurs, and what students should do to protect their admission chances.
Understanding “Admission in Progress” on JAMB CAPS
Before exploring whether it can revert to Not Admitted, it is crucial to understand its meaning:
Admission in Progress indicates that:
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Your institution has recommended you for admission.
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JAMB is reviewing your details to confirm eligibility.
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Verification of UTME scores, O’level results, and school quotas is ongoing.
In other words, it is a preliminary stage of admission. You are being considered but are not yet officially admitted.
Can Admission in Progress Change Back to Not Admitted?
Yes, it is possible for your status to change from Admission in Progress back to Not Admitted. While it is not common, several circumstances can lead to this reversal.
Why It Can Happen
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Incomplete or Incorrect O’level Results
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If JAMB detects missing, incorrect, or unverifiable results, your status may revert.
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UTME or Post-UTME Discrepancies
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Errors in your scores or in school-based assessments can trigger a reversal.
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School Withdrawal of Recommendation
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Schools can withdraw your admission recommendation if errors are found or quotas are exceeded.
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Quota Limitations
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Admission quotas for specific courses, catchment areas, or ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) may prevent final approval.
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JAMB System Flags
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Discrepancies in your JAMB profile, including personal details or subject combinations, can lead to a reversal.
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How Often Does This Happen?
Although most candidates with Admission in Progress eventually get admitted, reversals are rare but possible.
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Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering have a higher likelihood due to limited quotas.
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Less competitive courses rarely experience reversals.
Candidates should consider the possibility but not panic prematurely.
Difference Between Admission in Progress and Admitted
It is essential to distinguish Admission in Progress from Admitted:
| Status | Meaning | Guarantee Level |
|---|---|---|
| Admission in Progress | School recommended you; JAMB is verifying | High chance but not 100% |
| Admitted | JAMB has approved your admission | 100% confirmed |
Admission in Progress is provisional, whereas Admitted is final.
Factors That Influence Status Reversal
School Quota and Admission Policy
Every school has fixed quotas for each course. If quotas are exceeded after a batch upload, some candidates may revert to Not Admitted.
Verification of Documents
Incomplete or unverifiable O’level results and errors in uploaded documents can lead to status reversal.
Merit List Adjustments
Schools may adjust their merit lists based on new results, transfers, or administrative corrections, affecting some candidates’ admission progress.
How Students Can Protect Their Admission Chances
While JAMB and schools control the process, students can take proactive steps:
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Verify All O’level Results
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Ensure that WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results are correctly uploaded.
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Check JAMB Profile Details
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Personal information, UTME scores, and subject combinations must match official records.
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Choose Realistic Courses
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Avoid highly competitive courses beyond your score range.
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Follow Up with Schools
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Maintain communication with your institution to ensure your recommendation remains valid.
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Avoid Third-Party Interference
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No external agent can guarantee admission. Scammers should be avoided.
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Timeline: When Can This Change Happen?
Admission status changes occur in batches. Candidates should expect:
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Quick Changes: 1–3 days for some polytechnics or less competitive courses.
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Average: 1–2 weeks for most universities.
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Extended: Up to 6 weeks for highly competitive courses or federal universities.
Monitoring CAPS regularly ensures you are aware of changes in real-time.
Pros and Cons of Admission in Progress
✅ Pros
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Shows school recommendation.
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Increases likelihood of final admission.
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Offers hope to students initially worried about rejection.
❌ Cons
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Not a 100% guarantee.
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Reversal, although rare, can happen.
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Waiting can be stressful.
Summary Table: Admission Status and Reversal Possibility
| CAPS Status | Meaning | Possibility of Reversal | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission in Progress | Recommended by school; JAMB verifying | Possible if errors or quota issues occur | Verify results, stay in touch with school |
| Admitted | JAMB approved admission | Very unlikely | Accept admission |
| Not Admitted | Not recommended or rejected | Fixed | Consider alternative courses or institutions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Admission in Progress change back to Not Admitted?
Yes, it can happen if errors are found or quotas are exceeded.
2. Why do some students lose their Admission in Progress status?
Incorrect O’level results, UTME discrepancies, or school withdrawal of recommendation.
3. Is this reversal common?
It is rare but more likely in competitive courses.
4. Can I appeal if my status is reversed?
You may contact your school for clarification, but JAMB decisions are final after verification.
5. How long does it take to finalize after reversal?
It depends on your school’s batch upload and JAMB verification schedule, usually 1–6 weeks.
6. Can the reversal happen to all courses?
Yes, but competitive courses have a higher chance.
7. Does Admission in Progress guarantee admission?
No, it is a strong indication but not a 100% guarantee.
8. Should I panic if it happens to me?
No. Verify your documents and communicate with your school.
9. Can a third-party agent fix this?
No. Only JAMB and your institution control admissions.
10. How can I reduce the risk of reversal?
Ensure correct results, choose realistic courses, and confirm school recommendation.
Conclusion: Patience and Verification Are Key
While Admission in Progress on JAMB CAPS is a positive sign, it does not guarantee final admission, and in rare cases, it can revert to Not Admitted.
To safeguard your chances:
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Regularly check your CAPS status.
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Verify your O’level and UTME details.
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Maintain communication with your school.
Admission is a process — patience, attention to detail, and proactive verification are your best tools. Stay vigilant and ready to accept your admission once it is finalized.