It's very obvious, if you've been trying to use JAMB short codes and they keep failing, you're not alone. Thousands of students face this same problem every year.
Why JAMB 55019 or 66019 Keeps Failing
The truth is pretty straightforward but annoying. Nigeria's network traffic is often way more than what the system can handle at any given moment. When you send that text to 55019 for JAMB services, your message doesn't just go directly to JAMB. It actually passes through three different servers before anything happens.
First, your message goes through your network provider, whether that's MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile. This part is usually the easiest and fastest. Then it moves to the NIN server for identity verification, and finally it reaches the JAMB server for the actual processing.
Here's where things get messy. All these automatic processors work on a First Come First Serve basis by default. And most data sent to any processor has an expiration window, which basically stops the processor from getting completely overloaded and crashing.
So when there's a network glitch or heavy traffic on any of these servers, your request gets placed in a queue. If it doesn't go through within that allowed time window, it expires automatically. Just like that, your request is gone.
Now here's the part that really annoys people. Once MTN or Airtel successfully forwards your request to the next server, they consider their job done. You'll be charged that N50 even if the external server fails to complete the process. It's not their problem anymore according to them. However, there's a small silver lining - you won't be charged if the network is unable to pass your request to the next server at all. That's when you get absolutely no response.
How to Actually Fix This Problem
You need to be strategic about this. Remember the country you're living in where things are not always sufficient. The best time to trigger this process is during off-peak hours when network traffic is relatively low. Between 11 PM to 7 AM is usually your best bet. Most people are sleeping, fewer transactions are happening, and the servers aren't drowning in requests.
Try sending your message hourly during these times and you'll probably hit the right moment when everything aligns. It might take a few attempts, but your chances are much higher.
The correct format is important. Text your JAMB registration number followed by ACCEPT to 55019. For example: 23971772828AB ACCEPT. Make sure there's a space between your registration number and the word ACCEPT or REJECT. In short this is the format for all request that concern JAMB shortcode. The key solution here is to keep trying when network traffic is not too much and this is usually the night hours. This works for candidates who are trying to get profile code, accept or decline admission etc. Alternatively, you accept your admission in any JAMB CBT center.
What to do if You Don't Know Your JAMB Registration Number?
This happens more often than you'd think. If you've forgotten your JAMB registration number, don't panic. Most students don't carry their reg number offhand. They only get it somewhere when the situation demands it. To retrieve yours, Text "UTMEPIN" followed by your 11-digit phone number to 55019. They should send it back to you. As a said earlier, just time yourself well.
What if you have lost your phone number
But if you've forgotten your JAMB portal login email or password, your phone number isn't with you or lost, AND you don't remember your JAMB registration number? Well, that's a tough situation. You might need to visit a JAMB office or CBT center with your identification to sort things out. I always advise, ensure you retrieve your line immediately if it lost or have any issue.
Another thing is, if you're trying to register for the first time, don't use someone else's phone number during NIN registration. Because the phone number on your NIN automatically becomes the permanent phone number of your JAMB portal. See, you can correct choice of course, date of birth, subject combination, names etc on JAMB office but phone number cannot be corrected. As you'r reading this, think of the phone number you used to register NIN and go for correction before your JAMB registration. Lucky for you if you have not register yet.
After Accepting Admission, What Comes Next?
Accepting your admission is just the first step in a longer process. Once you've successfully accepted through the JAMB portal, you need to move quickly on several other things.
First, you need to print your admission letter. This is a crucial document that you'll need multiple times throughout your registration process. Don't just save a digital copy, actually print several copies because you never know when someone will ask for it. It will cost you N1000 to print it and the Cafe service fee could be around N200 per copy.
Log into your JAMB profile using your email and password. Navigate to the admission status section and you should see an option to print your admission letter. Make sure all the details are correct before printing.
After Printing Your Admission Letter what next?
Getting that admission letter printed feels great, but there's still work to do. Your next major step is paying your acceptance fee. Every university requires this, and the process varies slightly depending on which school admitted you. Try to pay it as soon as possible to secure your admission.
The acceptance fee basically confirms that you're serious about attending that university. Until you pay it, your admission isn't fully secured. Most schools give you a deadline for this payment, and trust me, you don't want to miss it.
How to Pay Acceptance Fee Online
Most Nigerian universities now allow online payment for acceptance fees, which is way more convenient than the old system of bank visits. The general process follows a similar pattern across universities, but each school has its own portal and specific steps.
You'll typically need your JAMB registration number, admission letter details, and a valid email address. The payment is usually made through Remita or the university's designated payment platform.
How to Pay ESUT Acceptance Fee Online
For Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the process is straightforward. Visit the ESUT portal at portal.esut.edu.ng. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one already using your JAMB registration number.
Once logged in, look for the acceptance fee payment option. The system will generate an invoice for you. You can pay using your ATM card, bank transfer, or through Remita. After payment, make sure you print your payment receipt and keep it safe. You'll need it during physical screening and registration.
How to Pay UNIUYO Acceptance Fee
University of Uyo (UNIUYO) uses a similar online system. Go to uniuyo.edu.ng and navigate to the student portal section. You'll find a link specifically for fresh students or new admissions.
Register on the portal using your JAMB details and follow the prompts to generate your acceptance fee invoice. UNIUYO typically uses Remita for payments, so you can pay through bank branches, internet banking, or with your debit card online. After successful payment, download and print your receipt. Keep checking the portal because UNIUYO will post screening dates and other important information there.
University of Lagos (UNILAG) Acceptance Fee Payment
UNILAG has one of the more organized online systems. Visit portal.unilag.edu.ng and look for the fresh students or newly admitted students section. You'll create a profile using your JAMB registration number.
The portal will guide you through several steps including bio-data verification, programme verification, and then fee payment. UNILAG acceptance fee payment is done through their designated payment platform. You can pay with your ATM card directly on the portal or generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) to pay at any bank.
After payment, return to the portal to confirm your payment status. Sometimes it takes a few hours for payments to reflect in the system, so don't panic immediately if you don't see confirmation right away.
University of Benin (UNIBEN) Acceptance Fee Payment
For UNIBEN, head to uniben.edu.ng and find the admissions portal link. The university usually sends detailed instructions to admitted students via email, so check your inbox and spam folder.
Create your student account on the UNIBEN portal using your JAMB information. The system will display your programme and the acceptance fee amount. Generate your payment invoice and proceed to pay through Remita or the provided payment options.
UNIBEN is particular about documentation, so make sure you print everything - your payment receipt, admission letter, and any other documents the portal generates.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Acceptance Fee Payment
OAU has modernized their payment system significantly. Go to studentportal.oauife.edu.ng for the student portal. Fresh students will need to register on the portal first.
During registration, you'll provide your JAMB details and personal information. The portal will verify your admission status and display payment options. OAU uses an integrated payment system where you can pay with your card or generate RRR for bank payments.
One thing about OAU is they're very time-conscious about deadlines. Don't delay your acceptance fee payment because they actually do close the payment window when they say they will.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Acceptance Fee Payment
ABU Zaria operates through portal.abu.edu.ng. Navigate to the admissions section and select the option for newly admitted students. You'll register using your JAMB registration number and other basic details.
The ABU portal will guide you through accepting your admission first before generating your acceptance fee invoice. Pay attention to the payment instructions because ABU sometimes has specific bank accounts for different faculties or programmes.
After payment through Remita or direct bank deposit, upload your payment evidence on the portal. ABU requires you to keep all your transaction receipts for future verification.
University of Calabar (UNICAL) Acceptance Fee Payment
UNICAL's process starts at unical.edu.ng where you'll find links to the student portal. Register as a fresh student using your JAMB credentials.
The UNICAL portal will display your admission details and the acceptance fee amount. They use Remita for payment processing, so you can pay online with your card or visit any bank with your RRR.
UNICAL usually requires additional documentation upload after payment, so be prepared to scan and upload documents like your O'level results, birth certificate, and passport photographs.
Abia State University (ABSU) Acceptance Fee Payment
For ABSU, visit absu.edu.ng and locate the student portal. The university typically sends admission letters with specific instructions for payment.
Register on the ABSU portal and proceed to generate your acceptance fee payment invoice. ABSU accepts payments through designated banks or online through Remita. Make sure you note down your payment reference number.
After payment, ABSU requires you to return to the portal to complete your registration and print your payment acknowledgment slip.
Important Tips for All Universities
Regardless of which university admitted you, keep these tips in mind. Always print multiple copies of every document - admission letter, payment receipts, invoices. Nigerian universities love hard copies and you'll be asked for them repeatedly.
Keep records of all transaction reference numbers, RRRs, and payment dates. If any issue comes up with your payment, these details will help resolve it faster.
Don't wait until the last day to make payments. Network issues, bank problems, or portal maintenance can happen anytime. Give yourself buffer time before deadlines.
Check your email regularly, including spam folders. Universities send important updates and instructions via email that you might miss otherwise.
If you encounter any problems with online payment, visit the school's bursary department or contact their helplines. Most schools now have dedicated phone numbers or WhatsApp lines for admission-related queries.
Save your login details securely. You'll need access to your student portal throughout your time in university, not just during admission.
The journey from getting admitted to actually resuming can seem complicated, but thousands of students go through it successfully every year. Take it one step at a time, follow the instructions carefully, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Your admission is worth the effort of navigating these processes correctly.
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