The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian examination body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which serves as a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. JAMB was established in 1978 to reduce the amount of fraud and inconsistency that existed in the selection process for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. Over the years, the board has undergone several transformations, including the introduction of Computer Based Test (CBT) in 2015 to reduce examination malpractice and improve the efficiency of the examination process.
One of the major concerns of candidates who register for the UTME is the pass rate, which is the percentage of candidates who meet the minimum score required for admission into tertiary institutions. In this article, we will discuss the pass rate for JAMB and examine the factors that affect the pass rate.
What is the Minimum Score for Passing JAMB?
Before discussing the pass rate for JAMB, it is important to understand the minimum score required to pass the UTME. JAMB sets the minimum score for passing the UTME at 180. This means that a candidate must score at least 180 out of a possible 400 marks to be considered for admission into a Nigerian university or other tertiary institution. However, it is important to note that a score of 180 does not guarantee admission into a tertiary institution, as the admission process also considers other factors such as the candidate’s choice of course and institution, and the number of available spaces in the institution.
What is the Pass Rate for JAMB?
The pass rate for JAMB is the percentage of candidates who score above the minimum score of 180 in the UTME. The pass rate for JAMB has varied over the years, and it is influenced by several factors, including the number of candidates who register for the examination, the level of preparedness of the candidates, and the quality of the examination process.
In 2021, a total of 1,338,687 candidates registered for the UTME, out of which 1,324,854 candidates actually sat for the examination. The results of the examination were released on June 25, 2021, and it was reported that 1,315,479 candidates scored above 160 out of the possible 400 marks. This means that the pass rate for the 2021 UTME is approximately 99.3%, which is higher than the pass rate of previous years.
In 2020, a total of 1,949,983 candidates registered for the UTME, out of which 1,867,376 candidates actually sat for the examination. The results of the examination were released on September 19, 2020, and it was reported that 1,617,786 candidates scored above 160 out of the possible 400 marks. This means that the pass rate for the 2020 UTME is approximately 86.9%, which is lower than the pass rate of the previous year.
In 2019, a total of 1,886,508 candidates registered for the UTME, out of which 1,792,719 candidates actually sat for the examination. The results of the examination were released on May 11, 2019, and it was reported that 1,792,719 candidates scored above 160 out of the possible 400 marks. This means that the pass rate for the 2019 UTME is approximately 95%, which is higher than the pass rate of the previous year.
In 2018, a total of 1,652,825 candidates registered for the UTME, out of which 1,652,825 candidates actually sat for the examination. The results of the examination were released on March 19, 2018, and it was reported that 1,652,825 candidates scored above 120 out of the possible 400 marks. This means that the pass rate for the 2018 UTME is approximately 65.5%, which is lower than the pass rate of the previous year.
It is important to note that the pass rate for JAMB varies from year to year, and it is influenced by several factors, including the number of candidates who register for the examination, the level of preparedness of the candidates, and the quality of the examination process. The pass rate for JAMB is also influenced by the difficulty level of the examination questions, as candidates who are not adequately prepared for the examination may find it difficult to answer the questions and may score below the minimum score required for admission.
Factors that Affect the Pass Rate for JAMB
Several factors can affect the pass rate for JAMB, and these factors can be broadly categorized into two groups: internal factors and external factors.
Internal Factors
Internal factors refer to factors that are within the control of JAMB and the candidates, and they include:
- Quality of the Examination Process: The quality of the examination process can affect the pass rate for JAMB. If the examination questions are poorly designed or if there are technical glitches during the examination, it can negatively affect the performance of the candidates and reduce the pass rate.
- Level of Preparedness of the Candidates: The level of preparedness of the candidates can also affect the pass rate for JAMB. Candidates who are well-prepared for the examination are more likely to score higher than candidates who are not adequately prepared.
- Adequacy of Study Materials: The availability and adequacy of study materials can also affect the pass rate for JAMB. Candidates who have access to quality study materials are more likely to perform better in the examination than candidates who do not have access to study materials.
- Level of Competition: The level of competition can also affect the pass rate for JAMB. If the number of candidates who register for the examination is high, it can increase the level of competition and make it more difficult for candidates to score high marks.
External Factors
External factors refer to factors that are beyond the control of JAMB and the candidates, and they include:
- Socio-economic Factors: Socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to education can affect the pass rate for JAMB. Candidates who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds may not have access to quality education and may not be adequately prepared for the examination.
- Quality of Education: The quality of education in Nigeria can also affect the pass rate for JAMB. If the quality of education is poor, it can negatively affect the performance of candidates in the examination.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure such as poor electricity supply, inadequate internet connectivity, and inadequate computer facilities can also affect the pass rate for JAMB. If candidates do not have access to adequate infrastructure, it can make it difficult for them to prepare adequately for the examination and perform well in the examination.
- Government Policies: Government policies can also affect the pass rate for JAMB. For example, if the government introduces policies that limit the number of candidates who can gain admission into tertiary institutions, it can increase the level of competition and make it more difficult for candidates to pass the examination.
Conclusion
The pass rate for JAMB is an important indicator of the performance of candidates in the UTME. The pass rate for JAMB varies from year to year, and it is influenced by several factors, including the number of candidates who register for the examination, the level of preparedness of the candidates, and the quality of the examination process. To improve the pass rate for JAMB, there is a need to address the factors
