The Nigerian university entrance exams, also known as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), is a great milestone for students aiming to pursue higher education in Nigeria. Now to achieve this, the need for proper preparation is essential for success in these exams irrespective of your secondary education background. 

How the Nigerian University Entrance Exams Jamb (UTME) Works

The first preparation strategy you must have as a student, is to understand the structure and requirements of the Nigerian university entrance exams (Jamb). The primary exam is the UTME, but some universities also conduct Post-UTME exams to further screen candidates before giving admission.

Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)

The UTME is a standardized test administered by JAMB. It assesses candidates’ knowledge and skills in four major subjects, which usually include English Language and three other subjects relevant to the candidate’s desired course of study. The exam is computer-based and comprises multiple-choice questions that must be answered to get the required jamb cutoff mark.

Post-UTME Screening

With that being said, In addition to the UTME many universities in Nigeria conduct their own Post-UTME screening. This exam as organized by various institutions is designed to further evaluate the candidates’ suitability for the specific programs they have applied for.

Effective Preparation Strategies for UTME

1. Understand the Exam Syllabus

The first step in preparing for the UTME is to thoroughly go through and understand the exam syllabus. JAMB releases the syllabus annually, detailing the topics and subtopics for each subject. Ensure you have the latest syllabus and use it as a guide for your study plan.

2. Create a Study Schedule

A well-structured study schedule is essential for effective preparation. Allocate sufficient time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to include regular breaks to avoid burnout. Consistency is key, it is important you maintain a study frequency according to your schedule.

3. Use Recommended Textbooks and Study Materials

JAMB provides a list of recommended textbooks for each subject. These textbooks cover the topics that have been outlined in the syllabus. In addition to textbooks, make use of study guides, past question papers, and online resources. Websites like Myschool.ng and Pass.ng offer valuable resources for UTME preparation.

4. Practice Past Questions

Practicing past UTME questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for exams. It is a tested and trusted method Nigerian students have come to cherish. Studying past questions will help you get familiar with the exam format and identify common questions and answers that have been listed in the material. Time yourself while practicing to improve your speed and accuracy. Review your answers and learn from your mistakes.

5. Take Jamb Mock Exams

Different jamb centers across the country offer teaching services and at the end  leading to the scheduled jamb exams test their participants with mock UTME exams. Taking these mock exams will help you build confidence and manage exam anxiety. So if you can find one in your state of residence in Nigeria and give it a try.

6. Focus on English Language Proficiency Literature Text

Jamb will give every student upon registration a literature text. It is required that you go through this novel, getting familiar with the characters, story line , plots as they are very compulsory in the exams. Also, English Language is a compulsory subject in the UTME and often a challenging one for many candidates. It is important you study and improve your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills. Practice essay writing and comprehension passages regularly. Reading newspapers, novels, and academic articles can also enhance your proficiency.

7. Joining Peer/Study Groups

Joining a study group can provide motivation and support. Discussing difficult topics with your peers or classmates who are writing the exams as yourself can enhance your motivation. From experience, joint study sessions offer an opportunity to share resources and study techniques among students.

8. Attend Coaching Classes

As I had earlier mentioned, for a more study focused approach you should consider enrolling in jamb coaching classes. Many educational centers offer specialized UTME preparation courses. These classes provide structured lessons, experienced tutors, and regular assessments to track your progress. And have proven to be very productive.

Effective Preparation Strategies for Post-UTME

1. Research the Exam Format

Each university has its own format and criteria for the Post-UTME exam. Research the specific requirements of the universities you are applying to. This information is usually available on the university’s official website.

2. Review Your UTME Subjects

The Post-UTME exam often covers the same subjects as the UTME. Review your notes and study materials for these subjects. Focus on understanding key concepts and practicing application-based questions.

3. Stay Updated on Current Affairs

Some universities include questions on current affairs in their Post-UTME exams. Stay updated on national and international news by reading newspapers, watching news channels, and following reputable news websites.

4. Practice University-Specific Past Questions

Many universities make past Post-UTME questions available to the public. Practice these questions to understand the university’s question patterns and difficulty level. This practice will give you an edge over other candidates.

5. Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Post-UTME exams often test your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as puzzles, logical reasoning exercises, and analytical reading.

What is a good JAMB score? (Cut-Off Marks) for Nigerian Universities

JAMB admission team sets a general cut-off mark for all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. For instance, the general cut-off mark for universities is often around 160 to 180, but this can change each year based on JAMB’s guidelines.If you score lets say from 250 and 280 in your JAMB exams, it will greatly increases your chances of getting admitted into any Nigerian Institution.

JAMB cut-off mark is a determinant for gaining admission into any Nigerian universities. This is the minimum score that a candidate must achieve in the UTME to be eligible for admission consideration. However, each university will set its own cut-off mark, which greatly depends on the course of study. Mind you the overall marks for jamb is 450.

Cut-Off Marks of some Nigerian Universities 

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG): UNILAG,  has a high cut-off mark, to gain admission you need around 200 to 250, depending on the course.
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): OAU’s offers students admission with cut-off marks ranging from 180 to 200 for most courses.
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): UNN usually sets their cut-off marks between 180 and 200.
4. Covenant University: This is a private institution owned by renowned preacher “David Oyedepo” the university cut-off mark from 200 and above to gain admission.
5. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): ABU sets a cut-off mark range of 180 to 200.

Factors Influencing Cut-Off Marks In Nigerian Universities

To gain admission into any Nigerian institution, the course of study is a huge factor. If you are going for highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering, their cut-off marks are usually very high.

    Also, Some universities may set higher cut-off marks based on their academic standards and admission policies.

 Finally, the overall performance of candidates in the UTME can influence the cut-off marks set by universities each year as instructed by the ministry of education in line with the  Nigerian academic body.

Budget and School Fee Range for Nigerian Universities

When planning for university education in Nigeria, it is of high necessity to consider the financial aspect. The school fees of both the public and private institution to see if your parents or sponsors can afford it. The cost of studying in Nigerian universities varies widely depending on the institution and the course of study. 

Note it is important to also budget for the periodic ASUU strike that usually halts the academics of public university students. Graduates from any Nigerian federal university can relate to this.

• Public Universities School fees

Some Public universities in Nigeria have lower tuition fees as compared to private universities. The average tuition fee ranges from ₦20,000 to ₦100,000 per academic session. However, students offering some specialized courses such as Medicine and Engineering may tend to pay higher fees.

• Private Universities School fees

Nigerian Private universities tend to have higher tuition fees due to their self-funding model. The average tuition fee ranges from ₦250,000 to ₦2,000,000 per academic session. The facilities and services provided by private universities often justify the increase in fees.

Additional institution Costs

Apart from tuition fees, students should budget for accommodation, textbooks, feeding, and other miscellaneous expenses. These additional costs tend to go higher especially based on the university’s location and the student’s personal lifestyle.

Websites of Good Nigerian Universities to Get Admission

Here are some reputable Nigerian universities known for their academic excellence and strong admission processes: Click on the highlighted link to locate school portal and info.

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) This is one of Nigeria’s leading institutions, renowned for its diverse programs and vibrant academic environment.
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation.
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is a prestigious institution with a rich history of academic excellence and comprehensive academic programs.
• Covenant University. One of Nigeria’s top-rated private university known for its excellent facilities, research output, and holistic education approach.
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): ABU is one of the largest universities in Nigeria, offering a wide array of programs and boasting a diverse student population.

Conclusion

Success in any exam depends on the effort a student put in. if you take your study for granted the outcome will be obvious. Jamb UTME is usually held annually, so having that in mind if you don’t want to register the following year then it is important you apply what I have shared on this research. So stay focused, motivated, and disciplined throughout your preparation. Good luck!