The Major Disadvantages of IJMB & JUPEB in Nigeria

Ever wondered what the disadvantages of IJMB are in Nigeria? I know it is a good alternative to JAMB, but how about we talk about the bad side of it?

Every year, thousands of candidates fail the JAMB UTME exams. Some of them try the following year again, some give up, while others search for alternatives after trying for several years.

Here’s where IJMB comes in. Also known as the Interim Joints Matriculation Board, IJMB is an alternative to JAMB that can help students gain admission into 200 level via direct entry.

Let’s take a look at the impediments of IJMB in 2024.

Major Disadvantages of IJMB in Nigeria

While everyone seems to focus on the advantages of IJMB in Nigeria, we’ve ignored the drawbacks. These are some of the disadvantages of IJMB exams.

1. Tuition is a bit overboard

With the economic situation in Nigeria, IJMB fees are quite expensive. I’m not talking about only the registration fee.

IJMB costs about 165,000 – 220,000 naira. This includes the registration fee, tuition, accommodation, and other expenses. You can’t even finish 15-20k naira if you go the JAMB UTME route, registration fee and tutorial cost included. If you are financially buoyant, you are good to go.

2. Too many fake centers

Just like there are unaccredited JAMB registration centers, there are fake IJMB registration centers. Most of these centers are not registered with the board, and people who fall victim to them lose their money.

Before commencing your registration, confirm that it’s an accredited center. Don’t try to send money to someone to register for you. It’s better to spend it on suya than to give it to scammers.

Some ways to identify these people are if their fee is cheaper than the normal registration fee. Also, if they chat you up using a foreign number, run!

3. Not for the weak

Suppose you plan on studying a low-competition course like those under the faculties of education, agriculture, languages, and whatnot. In that case, you have a better chance of getting into uni with IJMB.

It’s almost impossible when it comes to medical-related courses like medicine and surgery, pharmacy, and nursing, not because only a few institutions accept IJMB for MBBS but because the competition is so high that you may not get a chance.

To be sincere, these exams are very hard. It’s nothing compared to JAMB or O’-level exams. Be prepared to study for long hours daily and solve as many past questions as possible. I have heard some students saying, “You can pay your way off” Don’t try it; you’ll probably get scammed.

4. Not recognized or accepted by most universities

It may interest you that most prestigious universities don’t accept IJMB for admission into 200 level. Take UI as an example; they only accept IJMB for admission into 1st year.

It’s not for you unless you are prepared to study in Northern universities like Bayero University Kano or the University of Ilorin. Don’t dream of gaining admission into OAU or UNILAG with that result. In my recent article, you can check the list of Nigerian universities that accept IJMB and their cut-off marks.

5. No certificate

Imagine after spending months grinding to pass the exam, and at the end of the day, you are not given any certification. The only thing you get once you are done with the IJMB program is your result. The board should at least try and make certificates for graduating students.

Disadvantages of JUPEB

The JUPEB program, although an excellent bridge for direct entry into Nigerian universities, also comes with its disadvantages.

Firstly, enrollment costs are incredibly high, often financially straining for many families. This significantly high fee stands as a considerable barrier, threatening to limit access to the program for candidates from less privileged backgrounds.

The program’s duration, typically twelve months, is also potentially daunting as it essentially functions as an additional year of study. Furthermore, it’s important to note that not all universities accept JUPEB results. Despite a fair number of universities acknowledging the program, there is a significant selection that does not, leading to limitations in university choices.

Lastly, the level of difficulty associated with JUPEB examinations is another factor that may discourage students. The rigorous curriculum design and high-standard examination process demand substantial effort and commitment, potentially causing undue stress for some candidates.

IJMB Subject Combination

Three subjects related to your field of study are written in the IJMB exam. The English language is compulsory for all students, just the way it is in other exams.

For example, if I wanted to study medicine and surgery, my IJMB subject combination would be Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Conversely, someone who wants to become a lawyer can choose CRS, Literature in English, and Government.

The Interim Joints Matriculation Board has 19 subjects students can choose from. They are:

1. Accounting
2. Arabic
3. Biology
4. Business Management
5. Chemistry
6. CRS
7. Economics
8. Geography
9. Government
10. Hausa
11. History
12. Islamic Studies
13. Literature in English
14. Mathematics
15. Physics
16. Sociology
17. Advanced Level Mathematics
18. Ordinary Level Mathematics
19. Ordinary Level English Language

The O’ level exams are meant to complement the grades in your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results. Candidates with no F grade in their results will be given one extra mark.

Can you use ijmb to study abroad?

No, IJMB is not accepted by foreign universities for admission. Don’t let anyone deceive you that you can use your IJMB result to gain admission abroad.

However, other A-level exams, such as the Cambridge A level and JUPEB, can be used for admission outside Nigeria. You may want to check out the list of foreign institutions that accept NECO for admission.

How many years does the IJMB result last?

The IJMB result lasts for about seven years before it is of no use for admission purposes in Nigeria. This is more than the time it takes for JAMB results to expire.

Once it expires, there’s no way you can renew it other than sitting for another IJMB exam. Most people use their results for admission immediately after graduation. While I talked about the flaws of this exam in Nigeria, 2 better alternatives to IJMB are the Cambridge A level or Pre-degree.

Hopefully, this article has helped you to know the disadvantages of IJMB in Nigeria. I know it has a lot of advantages, but it makes sense to look at the bad side of the exam.

Share this post with your friends and colleagues. Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about the Interim Joints Matriculation Board.