The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is an examination board that conducts entrance examinations for prospective undergraduates into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The board sets the standard for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria and is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The UTME is the main examination that determines the eligibility of students for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. One of the most important factors considered in the admission process is the JAMB score.
JAMB Score
The JAMB score is the score obtained by a candidate in the UTME. The UTME is a computer-based examination that tests candidates on four subjects, namely Mathematics, English Language, and two other subjects related to their intended course of study. Each subject is scored over a maximum of 100 marks, giving a total of 400 marks. The JAMB score is the aggregate of the scores obtained by the candidate in the four subjects.
For example, if a candidate scores 75 in Mathematics, 80 in English Language, 85 in Physics, and 90 in Chemistry, the JAMB score would be calculated as follows:
JAMB Score = Mathematics + English Language + Physics + Chemistry
JAMB Score = 75 + 80 + 85 + 90
JAMB Score = 330
Thus, the JAMB score in the above example is 330.
Dividing the JAMB Score
The JAMB score is not divided by anything. It is a single score that is used in the admission process. The JAMB score is used in conjunction with other admission requirements such as the post-UTME score, O’Level result, and other criteria set by the tertiary institutions.
Admission Process
The admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions is highly competitive, and the JAMB score is a critical factor in determining whether a candidate is eligible for admission. The JAMB score is used to determine the candidate’s eligibility for the post-UTME screening exercise. The post-UTME screening exercise is conducted by tertiary institutions to further assess the candidates’ academic ability and suitability for the course of study they have applied for.
The post-UTME screening exercise usually consists of an aptitude test or essay writing, which is scored over a maximum of 100 marks. The post-UTME score is then added to the JAMB score to give a total score, which is used to rank candidates for admission. Other factors such as the candidate’s O’Level result, the catchment area of the tertiary institution, and the course applied for are also considered in the admission process.
Cut-off Mark
The cut-off mark is the minimum score required by a candidate to be eligible for admission into a tertiary institution. The cut-off mark is usually determined by the tertiary institution and varies from institution to institution and from course to course. The cut-off mark is usually based on the average JAMB and post-UTME scores of candidates who applied for the course in the previous year.
For example, if the cut-off mark for a course in a particular tertiary institution is 200, it means that candidates who scored 200 and above in their JAMB and post-UTME screening exercises are eligible for admission into the course.
It is important to note that meeting the cut-off mark does not guarantee automatic admission into a tertiary institution. The final decision on admission is usually based on the candidate’s overall performance, availability of space in the course applied for, and other criteria set by the tertiary institution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the JAMB score is a critical factor in the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The JAMB score is not divided by anything, but it is used in conjunction with other admission requirements such as the post-UTME score, O’