Many candidates who have been offered provisional admission into the University often ask questions about attestation letters –
Who can write them?
How should they be written?
What should be included?
This guide answers all those questions and gives you practical samples to help you draft your own perfect attestation letter.
What is an Attestation Letter?
An Attestation Letter or Letter of Attestation is an official letter written to confirm or certify that a statement, action, or behavior of a person is true.
In the case of university admissions, an attestation letter:
- Confirms the good character of the candidate
- Confirms that the writer knows the candidate personally
- Is often required by schools, employers, or embassies for various purposes
Think of it as someone vouching for your integrity, behavior, and background.
Who Can Write an Attestation Letter?
Different people can write attestation letters depending on the situation. For students seeking admission, the letter can be written by:
Parents or Guardians – They are the most common writers of attestation letters for students.
Religious Leaders – Pastors, Reverends, or Imams can write a letter attesting to the student’s good conduct.
Traditional Rulers – Village heads, chiefs, or kings can write an attestation letter.
Military or Police Officers – Letters written on their letterhead often carry extra weight.
Community Leaders – Well-known individuals like local government chairmen, business leaders, or mentors can also provide attestation.
How to Write a Good Attestation Letter
When writing an attestation letter, make sure to include:
Your address & date – at the top right corner
The recipient’s address – usually the Registrar, Vice Chancellor, or Head of Institution
Title of the letter – e.g., LETTER OF ATTESTATION FOR [Student’s Name]
Introduction – State who you are and your relationship to the student
Attestation – Confirm the student’s good behavior, integrity, and academic seriousness
Conclusion – Recommend the student for admission and express confidence in them
Your signature and full name – plus any official stamp or letterhead if available
Sample Attestation Letter for University Admission
Here’s a practical sample you can modify:
[Your Address]
[City, State]
[Date]
The Registrar
University of Calabar (UNICAL)
Calabar, Cross River State.
LETTER OF ATTESTATION FOR [CANDIDATE’S FULL NAME]
I, [Your Full Name], a resident of [Your Community/Address], am writing this letter to attest to the good character and conduct of [Candidate’s Full Name], who has been offered provisional admission into the University of Calabar.
I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [X years] and can confidently state that he/she is of high moral standing, disciplined, hardworking, and respectful.
I strongly believe that he/she will abide by the rules and regulations of the university and contribute positively to the academic environment.
I hereby recommend him/her for admission and certify that all the information provided here is true to the best of my knowledge.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title or Occupation]
[Phone Number]
Quick Tips for Writing a Strong Attestation Letter
Keep it formal – Avoid slang or casual language.
Use simple, clear words – Don’t overcomplicate.
Be specific – Mention how long you’ve known the candidate.
Use an official letterhead – if the letter is from a church, palace, or military officer.
Include contact details – so the school can reach you if necessary.
Conclusion
A Letter of Attestation is a very important document when seeking university admission in Nigeria, including at UNICAL.
- It should be formal,
- Written by someone credible (parent, religious leader, traditional ruler, etc.),
- And clearly vouch for your good character.
With the guidelines and sample above, you should have no problem writing an attestation letter that will be accepted anywhere.
How to write Attestation letter for school admission
