The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. UTME is a standardized examination taken by Nigerian students who want to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. After the examination, candidates are required to wait for JAMB to release their results, which are used as a primary criterion for admission into tertiary institutions. However, candidates often wonder how long it takes for JAMB to give admission after the release of results. This article aims to provide answers to this question.
The Admission Process
The admission process in Nigerian tertiary institutions can be broadly classified into two categories: merit admission and catchment area admission. The merit admission is based solely on the candidate’s performance in the UTME and post-UTME screening, while catchment area admission considers candidates from the institution’s catchment area. The catchment area admission is aimed at ensuring that candidates from the institution’s host communities and neighboring states are given priority in the admission process.
After the release of the UTME results, candidates are expected to sit for the post-UTME screening conducted by their chosen tertiary institutions. The post-UTME screening is aimed at testing the candidate’s knowledge and aptitude in their chosen course of study. The screening exercise may involve a written examination, an oral interview, or both.
After the post-UTME screening, the tertiary institutions will compile a list of successful candidates and send it to JAMB for final approval. JAMB will then review the list of successful candidates and ensure that they meet the admission criteria. The criteria for admission include the candidate’s performance in the UTME and post-UTME screening, their O’level results, and the quota allotted to the institution by JAMB.
How long does it take for JAMB to give admission?
The time it takes for JAMB to give admission varies from institution to institution and also depends on the admission process adopted by the institution. Generally, the admission process takes between two to six months from the date of the post-UTME screening.
However, it is essential to note that JAMB does not give admission directly to candidates. Instead, JAMB serves as a regulatory body that ensures that the admission process is transparent and fair to all candidates. JAMB ensures that the admission process is based on merit and that all candidates are given equal opportunities to gain admission into tertiary institutions.
JAMB releases the list of successful candidates for admission to each tertiary institution after the admission process has been concluded. The list is made available on the JAMB website, and candidates can check their admission status by logging in with their JAMB registration number.
Factors that affect the admission process
Several factors can affect the admission process and the time it takes for JAMB to give admission. Some of these factors include:
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Number of candidates
The number of candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria is usually high, and this can delay the admission process. The high number of candidates means that the tertiary institutions have to conduct post-UTME screening for a large number of candidates, and this can take time.
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Quota allotted to the institution
JAMB usually allocates a quota to each tertiary institution, and this can affect the number of candidates the institution can admit. If the institution has reached its quota, it may not be able to admit more candidates, and this can delay the admission process.
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Availability of spaces
The availability of spaces in the tertiary institutions can also affect the admission process. If the institution has limited spaces, it may not be able to admit all the candidates who meet the admission criteria, and this can delay the admission process.
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Delay in the release of O’level results
Candidates are required to present their O’level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) as part of the admission requirements. Delay in the release of O’level results can affect the admission process, especially if the tertiary institution has a strict admission deadline. In some cases, candidates may be given provisional admission pending the release of their O’level results.
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Delay in the post-UTME screening
The delay in the post-UTME screening can also affect the admission process. If the tertiary institution delays the screening exercise, it may delay the compilation of the list of successful candidates and send it to JAMB for final approval. This delay can affect the time it takes for JAMB to give admission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the time it takes for JAMB to give admission varies from institution to institution and depends on several factors. JAMB serves as a regulatory body that ensures that the admission process is transparent and fair to all candidates. Candidates should ensure that they meet the admission criteria and follow the admission process diligently to increase their chances of gaining admission into their chosen tertiary institution. Finally, candidates should be patient and wait for JAMB to release the list of successful candidates for admission to their chosen tertiary institution.
