The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian examination board that is responsible for organizing and conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. The UTME is a computer-based test designed to assess the readiness of candidates to pursue tertiary education in Nigeria. In this article, we will discuss the history of JAMB, including the year it was established and its evolution over the years.
The Establishment of JAMB
JAMB was established in 1978 by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria as a means of regulating the admission process into tertiary institutions in the country. The establishment of JAMB was aimed at addressing the problem of multiple admissions and the lack of a centralized admission system in the country.
Prior to the establishment of JAMB, admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria was based on different criteria, depending on the institution. Some institutions admitted students based on merit, while others admitted students based on quotas, catchment areas, and other criteria. This resulted in a lack of standardization and transparency in the admission process.
JAMB was established to address these issues and provide a centralized admission system that is fair and transparent to all candidates. The board was given the responsibility of conducting a standardized examination, the UTME, which would be used as a basis for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Evolution of JAMB
Since its establishment in 1978, JAMB has undergone several changes and reforms. Some of the significant events in the evolution of JAMB include:
- Introduction of the UTME: In 1978, JAMB introduced the UTME as a means of assessing the readiness of candidates to pursue tertiary education in Nigeria. The UTME was initially a paper-based test that was conducted in designated examination centers across the country.
- Introduction of Computer-Based Test (CBT): In 2013, JAMB introduced the computer-based test (CBT) as an alternative to the paper-based test. The CBT is a more efficient and secure method of conducting the exam, as it eliminates the possibility of exam malpractice and allows for faster grading of results.
- Introduction of Central Admission Processing System (CAPS): In 2017, JAMB introduced the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) as a means of streamlining the admission process in Nigeria. The CAPS is an online portal that allows tertiary institutions to upload their admission lists and candidates to monitor their admission status.
- Reduction of UTME Duration: In 2018, JAMB reduced the duration of the UTME from three hours to two hours. This was done to reduce the stress and anxiety experienced by candidates during the exam.
- Introduction of National Identification Number (NIN) Requirement: In 2020, JAMB announced that candidates would be required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) during the UTME registration process. This was done to address the problem of multiple registration and to ensure that candidates have a valid identification number.
Conclusion
In conclusion, JAMB was established in 1978 as a means of regulating the admission process into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Since its establishment, JAMB has undergone several changes and reforms, including the introduction of the UTME, the computer-based test (CBT), the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), and the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement. These changes have helped to improve the efficiency and transparency of the admission process in Nigeria and ensure that candidates are admitted into tertiary institutions based on merit.
