For years, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has served as the main gateway into Nigerian universities, alongside WAEC and NECO. But in recent times, many Nigerians have begun to question whether it is still necessary for students to write another national exam after secondary school.
One of the main arguments against JAMB is repetition. Students already spend years in secondary school and complete WAEC examinations, which test their academic ability across multiple subjects. People argue that adding another exam only increases pressure, cost, and emotional stress without necessarily adding new value.
There is also the issue of constant policy changes. Over the years, JAMB has adjusted cut-off marks, admission rules, and examination formats. For many students, this creates uncertainty and makes the admission process feel unstable and difficult to plan for.
Another concern is inequality in preparation. Students in urban areas often have better access to computers, tutorials, and study materials, while those in rural areas may struggle. It is argued that this gap affects performance and fairness in a national exam meant to be equal for all, especially as some are being posted to far off different locations to write the exams.
Also see: Court Adjourns Wisdom Gate School Negligence Case
However, supporters of JAMB believe it still plays an important role. Nigeria has a very large and uneven secondary school system, and WAEC results alone may not provide a fully standardized measure. JAMB, in this view, helps universities compare students from different backgrounds using a common benchmark.
There is also the argument of structure. Before JAMB was introduced, universities conducted separate entrance exams, which meant students had to travel and write multiple tests. Many believe that alone was enough to test the credibility of students, to see if they were eligible for admission.
Some suggest reform rather than scrapping. They propose that JAMB should reduce its dominance in admission decisions, allowing WAEC results and university screening processes to carry more weight. Others believe it should function more as a coordinating body rather than a final gatekeeper.
Ultimately, the debate shows a bigger question about Nigeria’s education system, how to make university admission fair, less stressful, and more efficient while still maintaining academic standards.
