Are you a Nigerian secondary student in SS1, SS2 or SS3 preparing to enter one of the tertiary institutions in Nigeria? By now you must be familiar with the JAMB examinations. You might just be afraid of the almighty JAMB exams, but it is not peculiar that you feel this way. Many Nigerian students preparing to undertake the JAMB examination into higher institutions normally experience apprehension and fear. Here in this article, we will present some tips to assist you to effectively prepare for JAMB exams and succeed.
You might be a first-time participant of the exams, or you have done it more than once. Nevertheless, there are strategies to help you effectively prepare for JAMB exams and scale through it. They can even help you to succeed in the subsequent UME exam of your target school as well.
The Purpose of JAMB UTME Examinations
The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) is the main entrance examination body for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. JAMB prepares exams to screen and present candidates that are qualified and ready for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. These include all Nigerian universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education (whether private or public).
In the years before 2010, JAMB examinations were conducted separately for universities. This was called the University Matriculation Examinations (UME). While other tertiary institutions were made to undertake another set of exams at a different time of the year. This second set of exams was called MPCEME (Monotechnics, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Matriculation Examination).
What has been in operation since 2010 is now a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). It is compulsory for all candidates seeking admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria to undertake the UTME. Additionally, it is now a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that can run for two or more days, and is no longer paper-based (compared to previous years). JAMB CBT examinations commenced in May 2014. To effectively prepare for JAMB exams and not have to repeat it several times is very vital. This will save you wasted time and money.
Registration for JAMB Examinations
The JAMB authorities are fully aware that some students are just barely computer literate. That depends on how much computer skills each student had acquired from their previous schools (or through other training programs). To assist candidates to properly get ready for the exam, a mock JAMB CBT exam is normally conducted. This takes place roughly a month before the actual UTME exams take place.
Both the JAMB Mock CBT and the final CBT exams are conducted by appointed JAMB CBT centers across the country. This of course requires that all candidates must have completed their JAMB registration earlier in a particular CBT center. Similarly, each candidate would prepare to undertake the JAMB exam in that same CBT center of registration.
Candidates of JAMB UTME need also to be aware of three conditions they must fulfill to enter any higher institution in Nigeria.
Firstly, there is a general (minimum) cut-off mark or score that is deemed the pass mark for the JAMB exam of a particular year. It is usually within the range of 140 to 200.
Additionally, there is a required cut-off mark acceptable for the course of study (and department) in the target school chosen by any candidate. This second course-based cut-off mark should be the goal of any JAMB candidate to scale through. Without this, he/she cannot be taken for the chosen course. Otherwise such candidates may be recommended to choose another course with a lower entry or cut-off score (if it is available). If such an alternative is not available or suitable, then the candidate must retake the JAMB exam.
Again, there is an extra qualifying exam they must pass after scaling through the JAMB UTME. This exam is to be conducted by the target institution each student has chosen to seek admission into. Each Nigerian university, for instance, conducts its internal University Matriculation Examination (UME), which will be required in addition to successful JAMB scores. And each student must reach the qualifying mark for the course and department he/she has chosen, then pass through other screening procedures before being granted admission.
Special Tips to Effectively Prepare for JAMB Exams
We recommend that you follow the tips below to effectively prepare for JAMB exams. You would not want to fail and thus repeat such an important exam. In any case, your seriousness and commitment will make a huge difference, if you can put these tips to work, And congratulations in advance. So here we go.
JAMB Brochure: You Need to Study It
Going through the JAMB brochure should be the starting point for any candidate who wants to excel in the JAMB exams. It can be downloaded from the official JAMB UTME website after you have done the online exam registration. You can also access it HERE. Inside the JAMB brochure, you will find out the following:
Each higher institution and its basic requirements.
Available courses in that institution.
Required subject combinations for each available course. Mathematics and English are often compulsory. You must find out about the other required (and relevant) subjects for your targeted course.
Download the JAMB Syllabus
You also need to download the JAMB Syllabus PDF file from the JAMB official website, after you complete your JAMB exam registration. You can also download the syllabus for all subjects from HERE. Inside the JAMB Syllabus, you will find the exam objectives for each subject. These are the focus points/topics you are expected to know/study to pass that subject in the JAMB examination. You will also find a list of recommended textbooks for each subject in the JAMB Syllabus. And it is free to download.
Obtain the Recommended JAMB Textbooks for Each Subject
Once you have taken note of the recommended textbooks for your chosen subjects, get one book for each subject. And devote yourself to studying the focus topics, with the aim to actually understand them. Make sure you choose the textbook(s) that you can easily comprehend.
There are cases when such textbooks may not be readily available in bookshops around town. If necessary, you may also reach out to the publisher of a required textbook to get one copy. And don’t be surprised that some of these books end up being useful in your first few years in the university. Or any other higher institution for that matter.
Create a Study Time-Table
For a more effective study, create a reading time-table. And remember – the key to success is to plan and study AHEAD OF TIME. To effectively prepare for JAMB exams, it is best to start several months ahead of the exam. At least three months ahead, or even more than that, is a good strategy.
Set apart more time for those subjects (and topics) that require extra focus and/or comprehension, if necessary. And remember to include break times. You may choose to set apart a day or two (especially Sundays) to get adequate rest. A typical and effective time table would cover Mondays to Saturdays, and last for between two to three hours each day.
Stay Focused
For your own good, it is highly necessary to put away anything that can distract you in your studies. Indulgence in smartphone games, internet, and social media are huge culprits you should avoid. Choose to study in quiet places; additionally you can choose quiet hours of the day. Very early hours of the morning, and late at night can be very useful. Also, make good use of local libraries around town. Some students may be able to study with low, harmonious music playing in the background (like classical music).
In any case, remember to choose what works for you. Learn to make yourself comfortable while studying. Eat well and sleep well before studying. And ensure you read in a well-lighted and well ventilated place, free from any distractions.
Get JAMB Questions Ready
Go the extra mile to get past JAMB questions, and add it to your study bouquet. Questions that cover up to the last 10 years are recommended. You can obtain these from bookshops; and there are also online sources that can provide them for you. And preferably get JAMB question-and-answer booklets that explain the answers.
Studying and practicing past JAMB questions will help you to observe the pattern or format in which the questions are being set. It will also help you to identify your level of preparedness for the exam, and your weak points in each topic/subject. Note that you are not meant to cram the questions and answers – they are supposed to be your study guide. Use them along with your JAMB Syllabus and textbooks to test your comprehension.
Get Yourself the JAMB Online CBT Practice Software
From experience, we know practicing the JAMB CBT software ahead of time will increase your confidence in taking the exam. You can download the software on your computer. There are also Android apps and websites that simulate the JAMB CBT (so you can download such apps on your smartphone). You can check out the MySchool Classroom for useful links from where you can download the JAMB CBT software. You will also be able to interact with other users across the nation.
Don’t Ignore JAMB Tutorial Classes
It may serve you a good purpose to attend JAMB tutorials. You get to meet other students who will encourage you in your preparation. You also benefit from lessons and tutors who can help improve your comprehension in the weak subjects. Nevertheless, beware of distractions. You will surely find noisy co-learners, flashy ones, smartphone addicts and the like. Remember to stay focused.
Stay Updated
You will not want to miss the latest news about the JAMB examinations, and current admission issues in higher institutions. So remember to stay close to news sources to know the latest happenings in JAMB and Nigerian higher institutions. Watch out for JAMB and admission news on the internet, in newspapers, magazines, on the radio and on television. Please don’t turn this into an opportunity to indulge in social media – guard yourself.
General Requirements Needed to Register for JAMB Exams
Registration for JAMB UTME exams normally commences on a candidate’s smartphone. The final procedure to register for the JAMB exams will be concluded on the JAMB portal (https://jamb.gov.ng/Efacility).
In order to be accepted as a candidate for JAMB exams, each candidate must provide the following details:
National Identification Number (NIN): This is an 11-digit code obtained from accredited NIN registration centers across the country. It is a permanent Nigerian citizenship identifier code, also to be displayed on the National ID card. It will require the candidate to present his/her birth certificate, and certificate of Local Government of Origin.
JAMB Profile Code: This is a 10-digit number. It is the candidate’s special code to access his/her profile on the JAMB website. It can be generated by dialing *55019*1*NIN# or *66019*1*NIN# on your phone. To generate your JAMB profile code will cost fifty naira (₦50).
Your Phone number. This is expected to be permanent and active throughout the duration of the JAMB exam until you obtain the results. This will be needed when filling your JAMB profile.
Email Address: You need a Gmail address to fill your JAMB profile. Bothe the Gmail address and your chosen password is needed to create and access your JAMB profile on their official website.
O’level (or A’level) Result: Your final results from the Senior School Certificate Examinations (be it WAEC/GCE, WAEC/SSCE or NECO) is your O’level result. This must be uploaded onto the JAMB portal when filling your JAMB profile. For candidates yet to receive their O’level results, you can still register on the JAMB portal as ‘Awaiting Results’. But once the O’level results are ready, it must be uploaded onto the JAMB portal. A’level results are advanced secondary school results, useful for Direct Entry candidates.
JAMB E-pin: This is a special code or token generated for you to register for the JAMB examination. It must be purchased for a total sum of N4700 (as at the last registration, year 2023). The JAMB E-pin itself costs N3,500. While additional fees you will pay for include cost of text/SMS (N500) as well as CBT Registrations fee (N700).
Biodata: All your personal information constitutes your biodata. These will be filled into your JAMB profile on the website. They include:
Your complete name (surname, first name, middle name)
Gender (male or female)
Date of Birth
State of Origin
Local Government of Origin
Religion
Marital Status
Phone Number
Email Address
Home Address
Maiden Name (Your father’s surname, if married)
Chosen Institution & Course
Preferred State for Exam
