The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian entrance examination board for tertiary institutions. It conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which serves as a gateway for prospective candidates into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The UTME is a computer-based test that tests candidates on four subjects – English Language, Mathematics, and two other subjects relevant to the candidate’s field of study.
One of the most frequently asked questions by UTME candidates is whether 180 is a pass mark in JAMB. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to this question, along with other relevant information about JAMB and the UTME.
Understanding the UTME Scoring System
The UTME is scored on a scale of 400, with each subject carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The scores from the four subjects are then added together to give a total score out of 400. The minimum score a candidate can obtain in the UTME is zero, while the maximum score is 400.
Each year, JAMB sets a minimum cut-off mark that candidates must obtain to be considered for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. This cut-off mark is usually determined based on factors such as the number of available spaces in tertiary institutions, the performance of candidates in the UTME, and the academic standard of the institutions.
In recent years, JAMB has set the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities at 160, while the cut-off mark for polytechnics and colleges of education is 120. However, it is important to note that these cut-off marks are not fixed, and they may vary from year to year depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
What Does a Score of 180 Mean in JAMB?
A score of 180 in JAMB is not a pass mark. In fact, JAMB does not have a pass or fail mark. The minimum score a candidate can obtain in JAMB is zero, while the maximum score is 400. A score of 180 is simply a reflection of the candidate’s performance in the UTME and does not guarantee admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria.
As mentioned earlier, JAMB sets a minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions each year. In recent years, this cut-off mark has been set at 160 for universities and 120 for polytechnics and colleges of education. This means that to be considered for admission into a university in Nigeria, a candidate must obtain a score of 160 or above in the UTME. However, meeting the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission, as there are other factors that are taken into consideration during the admission process.
Factors Considered During Admission into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Apart from the UTME score, there are other factors that are taken into consideration during the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Some of these factors include:
O’Level Results: Candidates are required to have at least five credit passes in their O’Level results, including English Language and Mathematics. The grades obtained in the relevant subjects for the candidate’s field of study are also taken into consideration.
Post-UTME Screening: After the UTME, some institutions conduct a post-UTME screening exercise to further assess the candidates’ suitability for admission. The screening may involve a written test or an oral interview.
Catchment Area: Some institutions give preference to candidates who are from their catchment area. The catchment area is usually the state or region where the institution is located.
Quota System: The Federal Government of Nigeria has a quota system that is used to ensure that candidates from different states and regions of the country are given equal opportunities for admission into tertiary institutions.
Special Consideration: Some special consideration may be given to candidates who fall under certain categories, such as athletes, children of alumni, or candidates with disabilities.
It is important to note that the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. Therefore, candidates are advised to aim for high scores in the UTME and also work on improving their O’Level results and other relevant factors that are considered during the admission process.
How to Check JAMB UTME Results
After taking the UTME, candidates can check their results online by following these steps:
Go to the JAMB result checking portal at https://www.jamb.gov.ng/Efacility.
Enter your JAMB registration number and click on “Check My Result.”
Your result will be displayed on the screen.
You can print your result or save it as a PDF document.
It is important to note that JAMB does not send results to candidates via SMS or email. Candidates are advised to check their results online using the steps above.
JAMB UTME Registration Process
To register for the UTME, candidates are required to follow these steps:
Create a JAMB profile: Candidates are required to create a profile on the JAMB portal by providing their email address and phone number.
Obtain the JAMB ePIN: Candidates can obtain the ePIN from any accredited bank or online payment platform. The ePIN will be used to complete the registration process.
Register for the UTME: Candidates can register for the UTME on the JAMB portal by providing their personal information, choice of institution, and choice of course.
Print the registration slip: After completing the registration process, candidates are required to print the registration slip, which contains their registration number and other important details.
Prepare for the UTME: Candidates are advised to study for the UTME using recommended textbooks and past questions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a score of 180 in JAMB is not a pass mark. JAMB does not have a pass or fail mark, but rather sets a minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions each year. In recent years, this cut-off mark has been set at 160 for universities and 120 for polytechnics and colleges of education. However, meeting the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission, as there are other factors that are taken into consideration during the admission process.
Candidates are advised to aim for high scores in the UTME and also work on improving their O’Level results and other relevant factors that are considered during the admission process. It is also important to note that the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions is highly competitive, and candidates are encouraged to prepare adequately for the UTME and other aspects of the admission process.
