What is the Full Meaning of JAMB and UTME in Nigeria? Is JAMB the same as UTME?
These terms do a great job of confusing students; they even argue that UTME differs from JAMB.
In this article, we will dissect the definitions of these terms and point out the differences between UTME & JAMB in Nigeria. Don’t hesitate to share this post with your friends. Let’s go.
Full Meaning of JAMB in Nigeria
In Nigeria, JAMB means Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board. It is an entrance examination board for higher institutions in Nigeria.
JAMB is responsible for conducting examinations required for high school students to gain admission into tertiary institutions like universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, monotechnics, and institutes in Nigeria.
The board runs this exam annually for students who want to be admitted to higher educational institutions. They have CBT centers in all 36 states in Nigeria.
Founded in 1978, the board is governed by Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who President Muhammadu Buhari appointed in August 2016.
What is the meaning of UTME?
UTME means Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, a CBT examination that determines if a student is eligible for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Since 1978, the UTME has been a paper-and-pencil-based exam. In May 2014, it was changed to a Computer-based examination.
Registration for the UTME usually occurs every year, and candidates will be tested on four subjects (English language and 3 other subjects related to the course they want to study).
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) oversees everything related to the UTME in Nigeria. The exam takes place once a year and is scored over 400.
Difference between UTME and JAMB
The difference between JAMB and UTME is that the examination is called UTME, while the board or organization conducting the exam (UTME) is called JAMB.
I have explained their definitions before, but let me repeat this, JAMB means Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, while UTME means Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Most Nigerians make the mistake of calling the exam JAMB while considering UTME as another type of exam. It’s either you call it the JAMB exam or UTME.
What’s the difference between Post UTME and JAMB?
Post-UTME is entirely different from the JAMB exam, which stands for Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
It is the exam that prospective undergraduates take after the JAMB exams. This exam is conducted by the candidate’s institution, not JAMB.
Before candidates can apply for the post utme forms, they must have met the institution’s requirements like cut-off marks, O’level requirements, age requirements, etc.
I hope this short article clears up the misconception among Nigerians confusing these terms.
Sam is a brilliant young Nigerian biochemistry student and an aspiring entrepreneur. Despite facing many challenges, he has never lost his passion for learning and drive to make a difference in the world. Read more about him here.
Now I understand and know the difference between JAMB and UTME.
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