In Nigeria, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is an examination body responsible for conducting an entrance examination known as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). UTME is a prerequisite for students who want to gain admission into Nigerian universities. However, some students often ask if it is possible to enter the university without writing JAMB. This question arises because JAMB has become a sort of bottleneck for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities. In this article, we will examine whether it is possible to enter a Nigerian university without writing JAMB.
What is JAMB?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian entrance examination board that was established in 1978. The board was established with the primary objective of conducting a standardized entrance examination for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities. The examination is known as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). JAMB has the responsibility of coordinating admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The board is also responsible for setting the guidelines and regulations for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The UTME examination is usually taken by students who have completed their secondary education and are seeking admission into tertiary institutions. The examination is computer-based, and it tests the candidates’ knowledge of the English language, mathematics, and other subjects that are relevant to their chosen course of study. The examination is usually held once a year, and candidates are required to register for the examination through JAMB’s website.
Is it Possible to Enter University Without Writing JAMB?
The answer to this question is no. As things stand, it is not possible to gain admission into any Nigerian university without writing the UTME examination conducted by JAMB. The examination is a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities, and it is recognized by all tertiary institutions in the country. It is important to note that JAMB is not the only requirement for admission into Nigerian universities. There are other requirements that must be met before a student can be considered for admission. These requirements vary from institution to institution and from course to course.
Other Requirements for Admission into Nigerian Universities
In addition to JAMB, there are other requirements that must be met before a student can gain admission into Nigerian universities. These requirements include:
- O’level Result: Candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities must possess a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects in their O’level result. The subjects must include Mathematics and English Language. The O’level result could be either West African Examination Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO).
- Post-UTME Examination: Some Nigerian universities conduct a post-UTME examination after the UTME examination conducted by JAMB. The post-UTME examination is usually conducted by the individual universities and it is used to further screen candidates who have passed the UTME examination. The examination is usually conducted using the same format as the UTME examination.
- Direct Entry: Candidates who possess a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a National Diploma (ND) from a recognized polytechnic or college of education can gain admission into Nigerian universities through the Direct Entry programme. The Direct Entry programme allows candidates to gain admission into 200 level or 300 level depending on their qualifications.
- Pre-degree Programme: Some Nigerian universities offer a pre-degree programme for candidates who did not meet the requirements for admission into the university. The programme is usually a one-year programme that prepares candidates for the UTME examination. After the programme, candidates can then apply for admission into the university through JAMB.
- Remedial Programme: Some Nigerian universities also offer a remedial programme for candidates who did not meet the requirements for admission into the university. The programme is usually a one-year programme that prepares candidates for the UTME examination. After the programme, candidates can then apply for admission into the university through JAMB.
- Transfer Programme: Some Nigerian universities also allow students to transfer from one university to another. To transfer, the student must have completed at least one academic session in the current university and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Special Admission: Some Nigerian universities also offer special admission to candidates who have exceptional talent in sports or the arts. Such candidates may not be required to write the UTME examination but they will still have to meet the other admission requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not possible to gain admission into any Nigerian university without writing the UTME examination conducted by JAMB. The examination is a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities, and it is recognized by all tertiary institutions in the country. However, JAMB is not the only requirement for admission into Nigerian universities. There are other requirements that must be met before a student can be considered for admission. These requirements vary from institution to institution and from course to course.
It is important for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities to ensure that they meet all the admission requirements before applying for admission. Students should also ensure that they apply to institutions that offer the courses they are interested in studying. With proper planning and preparation, students can increase their chances of gaining admission into Nigerian universities.
