What Year Did JAMB Start? A Brief History of the Nigerian Examination Board

If you are a Nigerian student who wants to pursue tertiary education in the country, you have probably heard of JAMB. JAMB stands for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, and it is the examination board that conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) every year. The UTME is a computer-based test that determines whether you are eligible to be admitted into any of the tertiary institutions in Nigeria, such as universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and monotechnics.

But do you know when JAMB started and how it evolved over the years? In this blog post, we will take you through a brief history of JAMB, from its establishment in 1978 to its current status in 2024. We will also answer some of the frequently asked questions about JAMB and its examinations. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of JAMB and its role in the Nigerian education system.

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 enhance the verification of candidates’ identities and prevent impersonation.

Conclusion

JAMB is a Nigerian examination board that has been in existence since 1978. It is responsible for conducting the UTME, which is the entrance examination for tertiary education in Nigeria. JAMB has undergone several changes and reforms over the years, in order to improve the quality and credibility of its examinations and admission process. JAMB plays a vital role in the Nigerian education system, as it ensures that candidates are admitted into tertiary institutions based on their merit and performance.

Summary

• JAMB stands for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, and it was established in 1978 by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria.
• JAMB conducts the UTME, which is a computer-based test that determines the eligibility of candidates for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
• JAMB has introduced several changes and reforms over the years, such as the CBT, the CAPS, the NIN requirement, and the reduction of UTME duration.
• JAMB provides a centralized and transparent admission system that is fair to all candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• Q: When is the UTME for 2024?
• A: The UTME for 2024 is scheduled to commence on 14th of January, 2024 and close on 14th of February, 2024
• Q: How can I register for the UTME?
• A: To register for the UTME, you need to have a valid email address, a personal mobile phone number, and a NIN. You also need to create a JAMB profile on the JAMB portal and obtain an e-PIN from any of the accredited banks or online payment platforms. You then need to visit any of the approved JAMB CBT centers to complete your registration and biometric verification
• Q: How much is the UTME registration fee?
• A: The UTME registration fee for 2024 is N3,500. You also need to pay N500 for the JAMB recommended textbook and N700 for the CBT center service charge. The total amount you need to pay is N4,700
• Q: How many subjects do I need to write in the UTME?
• A: You need to write four subjects in the UTME, depending on your desired course of study. English language is compulsory for all candidates. The other three subjects vary based on your chosen faculty and institution. You can check the JAMB brochure for the specific subject combination for your course
• Q: How can I check my UTME result?
• A: You can check your UTME result online or via SMS. To check online, you need to visit the JAMB portal and log in with your registration number or email address. To check via SMS, you need to send “RESULT” to 55019 using the same phone number you used to register for the UTME. You will receive your result as a text message
• Q: What is the cut-off mark for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria?
• A: The cut-off mark for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria varies depending on the institution and the course. However, the minimum cut-off mark set by JAMB for 2024 is 160 for universities, 120 for polytechnics, and 100 for colleges of education and monotechnics
• Q: How can I change my course or institution after the UTME?
• A: You can change your course or institution after the UTME by applying for the JAMB change of course or institution service on the JAMB portal. You need to pay N2,500 for the service and print out your new admission letter. You can only change your course or institution twice and before the admission process is completed

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new about JAMB and its history. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for your time and attention.