In Nigeria, every year thousands of students prepare for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam to gain admission into higher institutions. But one of the most common concerns among candidates is whether they can register for JAMB using an awaiting WAEC or NECO result.
This question is very important because many students are still in their final year of secondary school when JAMB registration begins. At that stage, their West African Examination Council (WAEC) or National Examinations Council (NECO) results may not be ready. This creates anxiety about whether they will be allowed to register or if they must wait until results are out.
In this complete guide, you will learn everything about using awaiting results for JAMB. We will cover what it means, why JAMB allows it, how to use it correctly, requirements, limitations, how to update your result later, and practical tips. By the end, you will have full clarity and confidence on this subject.
1. Understanding Awaiting Results and JAMB
JAMB is the main exam body that regulates admissions into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. To register, candidates must provide personal details, subject choices, and academic qualifications.
However, JAMB also understands that WAEC and NECO results are not always available at the time of registration. This is why they introduced the awaiting result option in the registration system.
In 2025, many Nigerian students still rely on this opportunity because WAEC or NECO results are usually released months after JAMB registration has closed.
This guide explores the truth, the rules, and the smart way to use awaiting results without losing your admission chances.
2. What is Awaiting Result?
Awaiting result simply means that a student has written or is about to write WAEC or NECO, but the result is not yet out. Instead of waiting until the result is released, the student proceeds with JAMB registration by selecting “awaiting result.”
In simple terms:
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You don’t have your result now.
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You promise to upload it later when available.
This allows you to continue with your admission process without delay.
3. Why Students Register JAMB with Awaiting Results
Here are the main reasons why many candidates use awaiting results for JAMB:
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Final year students: They are writing WAEC or NECO the same year JAMB registration is ongoing.
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Result not yet released: Sometimes, WAEC or NECO delays results.
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Opportunity not to miss JAMB: Waiting for results may cause you to miss the registration period.
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Faster admission process: It allows you to sit for JAMB early and prepare for admission before results come out.
This system helps prevent a gap year for students.
4. Does JAMB Accept Awaiting WAEC or NECO Result?
Yes, JAMB accepts awaiting results.
JAMB officially allows candidates to register even if they do not have their WAEC or NECO result yet. During registration, the system provides a space for selecting “awaiting result.”
However, the rule is that you must upload your result on the JAMB CAPS portal once it is released. Without uploading, you will not be considered for admission.
5. How to Register JAMB with Awaiting Result
Here is the step-by-step process of registering for JAMB with awaiting result:
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Visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre.
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Create your JAMB profile with a valid email and phone number.
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Provide your personal and school details.
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When asked for O’Level results, select “awaiting result.”
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Continue the registration, pay the required fee, and collect your printout.
You can now write the JAMB exam even without uploading WAEC or NECO yet.
6. Steps to Upload Awaiting Result on JAMB Portal
Once your result is out, you must upload it immediately. Follow these steps:
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Go to an accredited JAMB CBT centre.
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Take along a printed copy of your WAEC or NECO result.
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Request for “result upload to JAMB CAPS.”
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The operator will scan and upload it.
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Collect your confirmation slip as proof.
7. When to Upload Your WAEC or NECO Result After JAMB Registration
You should upload your result as soon as WAEC or NECO releases it. Don’t wait until admission begins.
Remember:
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JAMB may close the portal for result upload before admission is completed.
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Early upload increases your chances of admission because schools check JAMB CAPS first.
8. Deadline for Uploading Awaiting Results on JAMB CAPS
The deadline is usually tied to the admission process of each institution. Once schools begin offering admission, JAMB requires that all candidates must have uploaded their O’Level results.
Failing to upload before your school starts admission means you cannot be admitted even if you scored high in JAMB.
9. Difference Between WAEC Awaiting Result and NECO Awaiting Result in JAMB
Both WAEC and NECO awaiting results are accepted by JAMB. The difference lies only in the exam body:
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WAEC: For candidates writing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
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NECO: For candidates writing National Examinations Council exams.
Both serve the same purpose for JAMB.
10. Common Mistakes Students Make with Awaiting Results
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Forgetting to upload results after release.
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Uploading wrong details or fake results.
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Waiting until admission lists are released.
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Assuming schools will admit without O’Level uploaded.
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Not confirming if the result upload was successful.
Avoid these mistakes to secure your admission.
11. Can You Gain Admission with Awaiting Result?
No, you cannot gain admission with awaiting result.
While JAMB allows you to register and write the exam, your admission will not be processed until your O’Level result is uploaded.
This means the awaiting result is only temporary. Final admission requires complete results.
12. Schools that Accept Awaiting Result for Admission
Most Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges accept awaiting results at the registration stage. But by the time admission is given, they expect you to have uploaded your result.
Examples include:
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Federal Universities
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State Universities
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Private Universities
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Polytechnics
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Colleges of Education
In other words, awaiting result is widely accepted during JAMB, but final admission depends on timely upload.
13. Risks of Using Awaiting Results for JAMB
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Delay in result release may cause missed admission.
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Errors in WAEC or NECO may make you ineligible.
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Forgetting to upload can cancel admission chances.
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Portal closure before upload can block you from being considered.
14. Alternatives If You Don’t Have Your WAEC or NECO Result Yet
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Use your previous O’Level result if available.
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Consider waiting for next year’s JAMB if your result is uncertain.
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Register with awaiting result but monitor release closely.
15. Tips for Success if You Register with Awaiting Result
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Write your WAEC or NECO with seriousness.
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Keep checking when results are released.
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Upload immediately without delay.
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Always confirm upload on JAMB CAPS.
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Don’t assume – always double-check.
16. Final Advice for Candidates Using Awaiting Results
Using awaiting result is safe and accepted. But the key is not to relax after registration. Your admission success depends on uploading your result at the right time.
Be proactive, stay informed, and act quickly once results are out.
17. Summary Table: Key Points About Awaiting Results and JAMB
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Does JAMB accept awaiting result? | Yes, during registration. |
| Can you gain admission without result uploaded? | No, upload is compulsory. |
| Where to upload result? | Accredited JAMB CBT centres. |
| Best time to upload? | Immediately result is released. |
| Accepted exams | WAEC and NECO (both). |
| Common mistake | Forgetting to upload. |
| Final admission requirement | Complete O’Level uploaded. |
18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I register JAMB without WAEC or NECO result?
Yes, you can register using awaiting result.
2. Will I be admitted if I don’t upload my result?
No, you must upload your result before admission.
3. Can I use NECO awaiting result for JAMB?
Yes, both WAEC and NECO are accepted.
4. Where do I upload my awaiting result?
Only at accredited JAMB CBT centres.
5. What happens if WAEC delays results?
You may miss admission if results are not released before deadlines.
6. Can private universities accept awaiting result?
Yes, but upload is still required for final admission.
7. Do I need to re-register JAMB after result is out?
No, just upload your result.
8. How do I confirm my result is uploaded?
Check your JAMB CAPS portal online.
9. Can I use both WAEC and NECO awaiting result?
Yes, you can combine them if needed.
10. What if my result has errors?
You must correct them with WAEC or NECO before upload.
19. Conclusion
Registering JAMB with awaiting WAEC or NECO result is completely acceptable in Nigeria. JAMB provides this option so students will not miss admission opportunities due to exam timelines.
However, the awaiting result option is only temporary. To secure admission, you must upload your final WAEC or NECO result to the JAMB CAPS portal before admission begins.
The best advice is to register early, take your WAEC or NECO seriously, and upload immediately after results are released. That way, you maximize your admission chances and avoid unnecessary disappointment.