Passing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination may
seem like a daunting task, but in reality, it's a straightforward journey that
requires careful preparation and effort. Each student must thoroughly engage
with the materials provided by the JAMB management and invest the necessary
effort for the preparation to yield meaningful results.
This article aims to answer essential questions: What materials does a student
need for JAMB preparation? How can one effectively prepare using these
materials? And, crucially, when should a student commence their preparation
journey?
Before delving into the specifics, it's vital to acknowledge a fundamental
truth: behind every successful student lies a foundation of solid preparation.
Just as good manners don't appear magically but result from consistent effort,
success in JAMB won't occur without diligent preparation. Passing the JAMB
examination requires more than mere intelligence; it demands thorough
readiness.
While some may argue that JAMB is not challenging, claiming it's merely about
choosing options without theory, it's crucial to dispel the notion that
preparation is unnecessary. The story of Ugwu Chikelu, the 2022 JAMB top
scorer, attests to the importance of both brilliance and preparation.
So, can you surpass the 2022 JAMB top scorer with a total score of 362?
Absolutely! You can even achieve a higher score by following the right
procedures. But what are these procedures? Let's explore them in detail.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Get Ready for JAMB
Hey there, getting set for your JAMB exam? Awesome! Here's the lowdown on the
stuff you need to gear up and make sure you ace it.
1. Your Course Textbooks: Your Study Buddies
Grab those textbooks related to the course you're eyeing. So, if you're a
science buff aiming for electrical/electronic engineering, snag books on
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Further Maths. You get to pick the
subjects, but make sure you cover the four needed for your course.
Chat up with the seniors or your teachers—they know the good stuff. Getting
advice on specific textbooks can be a game-changer.
2. JAMB Syllabus: Your Map to Success
This one's like your cheat code. The JAMB syllabus is a list of topics you
need to focus on. It's like a roadmap to help you stay on track. Seriously,
don't skip this.
Don't just look at it; use it like a step-by-step guide. Break down those
topics into bite-sized study sessions. Trust me, it makes a big difference.
3. JAMB Past Questions and Answers: Your Sneak Peek into the Exam
Get your hands on past questions—it's like having a crystal ball. They show
you how JAMB likes to set things up. Grab questions from the last five years
before your exam year. For example, if you're taking the 2024 exam, snag
questions from 2018/2019 onwards.
Spot any recurring patterns in the questions. It's like having a heads-up on
what to expect. And try doing them under time pressure—it's a game-changer.
Armed with your textbooks, syllabus, and past questions, you're all set for a
solid prep. Go crush it in style! 🚀
How to prepare
If you already have all the materials mentioned above, that's fantastic! To
ensure no stone is left unturned, I recommend sticking to the following
preparation tips.
Successfully passing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
examination is simple and easy, but how can you achieve it? The truth is, that
every student needs to thoroughly prepare with the materials provided by the
JAMB management. Additionally, putting in the required effort is crucial for
the preparation to be worthwhile.
Let's be honest; behind every successful student is solid preparation. Just as
good manners don't fall from the heavens without effort, and miracles won't
happen without preparation, passing the JAMB examination requires dedication.
There's no shortcut to success in JAMB without proper preparation—that's a
fact.
I understand some students are naturally intelligent, but even if you fall
into that category, you still need to get ready. JAMB is not just an ordinary
examination; it's the gateway to university admission. So, can you see the
importance of thorough preparation?
Some might say, "JAMB is not that hard. You just choose an option, no theory
to solve." Don't let anyone deceive you into thinking you can pass JAMB
without preparation. It's just not possible.
Consider the story of Ugwu Chikelu, the 2022 JAMB top scorer. Despite his
brilliance, he also put in substantial effort during his preparation.
Do you believe you can outscore the 2022 JAMB top scorer with a total score of
362? Absolutely! You can even score higher if you follow the right procedure.
But what are the procedures? Let's find out.
Set up a timetable
Creating a study timetable for your JAMB exam is kind of like what you did in
secondary school. Just slot in all the subjects you'll be dealing with and
assign specific times for each.
When setting your study times, make sure they're free from other tasks or
house chores that might interrupt you. Some folks prefer studying at night to
avoid disturbances
Your timetable is your guide to success. Customize it to your situation and
let it lead you to a focused and balanced JAMB exam prep.
Prepare with the JAMB syllabus
The JAMB syllabus is a document that holds all the essential information
students require to excel in their examinations.
Having the JAMB syllabus is a key factor in making your preparation
smoother. It encompasses all the vital topics you need to cover before the
examination.
Instead of blindly cramming or reading the entire textbook, the syllabus
acts as a guide, directing you to the specific information relevant to a
particular subject.
The JAMB syllabus not only highlights the areas the JAMB management wants
you to focus on but also provides valuable tips to navigate your preparation
effectively. It serves as a roadmap, ensuring you concentrate on the right
things and enhancing your overall readiness for the exam.
Prepare with the JAMB-recommended textbooks.
There are indeed numerous textbooks available in libraries, bookshops, and
even supermarkets that you can delve into while you're still in school.
However, it's crucial to note that most of these books are not recommended
by JAMB for effective preparation for its examination.
Now, it's not to say that these textbooks are bad; they're not. It's just
that JAMB management has specific ones they draw their questions. There's a
connection between JAMB and the authors of these recommended textbooks, and
sometimes, examples or exercises from these texts end up as questions in the
examination.
Now, let me ask you: who do you think will be more adept at answering JAMB
questions? The student who uses the recommended textbooks or the one who
uses a different set?
Even if the latter student is more brilliant, the student who follows the
recommended textbooks will likely perform better. Why? Because they
understand the scope of the questions that will appear.
So, the bottom line is, to use the right textbooks for your preparation.
It's not just about being smart; it's about knowing what JAMB expects from
you.
Learn with past questions
Here's another highly effective way to successfully navigate JAMB. Using
JAMB's past questions is one of the most popular strategies students employ
to excel in their examinations.
Now, here's a little secret: JAMB doesn't come up with entirely new
questions for its exams. Instead, they rely on their previous set of
questions. I vividly remember encountering the same questions from over 5
previous years' examinations set by JAMB officials when I was preparing for
my exam using one of the past question papers I bought.
There's a wealth of questions that get repeated every year. All you have to
do is head to the nearest bookshop and get yourself a copy. It's a
game-changer.
Many bookshops sell JAMB past questions paper but I will recommend you use
Jumia. Jumia offers the cheapest past question papers and will even help you
ship them to your doorstep. You can get a
cheap JAMB past question on Jumia. There are different types on the website. All you need to do is to
select the ones that match your course.
Prepare early
When is the optimal time to gear up for your upcoming examination? A month
before or just a few weeks? What's your take?
The ideal time to start preparing for your JAMB examination is when you
decide you're heading to the university. You don't need to wait until your
final year in secondary school or just a few months before the exam kicks
in.
Here's a common mistake many students make: they believe they aren't at the
right level to dive into the JAMB syllabus and past questions. Who told you
that? Let me share something with you. There's no specific stage you need to
reach before utilizing the necessary materials that can significantly boost
your chances of passing the examination. Once you're in SSS, you're expected
to start using these materials for your preparation. The content to cover is
extensive, and if you don't start early, it can be challenging to finish it.
Early preparation isn't just about becoming proficient; it's about covering
the majority of the content you need to grasp.
As the saying goes, "early to bed is early to rise." Starting your
preparation early sets you on the path to success.
Attend a private JAMB lecture
Participating in private lectures is another excellent strategy for you.
JAMB private tutorials can enhance your activity level as your examination
day approaches.
These lectures serve as a refresher, jogging your memory about the concepts
you learned in the early stages of secondary school.
During the lectures, instructors often incorporate past questions into their
teaching methods. While you might encounter some challenging questions, the
lecture provides valuable guidance to help you understand them.
Attending JAMB lectures is not mandatory but is recommended for every
student. It's a personal decision, and you can choose whether to attend or
not based on your preferences.
Hang out with your fellow jambite
"Two heads are better than one; when one falls, the other will raise him,"
says a proverb.
This holds in the lives of many students. Recognizing that we don't know
everything, seeking help from others becomes crucial. That's why it's highly
important to connect with fellow students, especially those studying the
same course.
These individuals could be your friends, classmates, or even companions
attending the same lectures as you.
"Iron sharpens iron," as another proverb wisely puts it.
Joining forces with people like this to study together can be incredibly
beneficial. You might even instigate a friendly competition among yourselves
to test your abilities. This approach not only enhances your focus but also
boosts your learning capacity.
Throughout these interactions, always keep your goal in mind.
Focus on the basic points
When you're reading, focus on the main points of the topic. You don't need
to cover everything on every page of the textbook you're going through; the
goal is to understand the fundamental idea of what you're studying.
Textbook topics often come with numerous examples to help you grasp the
content's meaning. It's not necessary to master every detail. The JAMB
syllabus can guide you on the essential aspects.
Consider utilizing the topic summaries, a feature found in many modern
textbooks. These summaries provide a condensed version of the content on
each page, making it easier for you to grasp key concepts.
JAMB aims for you to understand the basic knowledge of a particular topic or
subject. They don't require you to go the extra mile in your reading or
studying efforts. Simply grasp the basics, and you'll be good to go.
Practice with JAMB CBT center/ learn the basic computer operations
Learning is one thing; applying what you've learned is another. Simply
acquiring knowledge without knowing how to put it into practice is
insufficient.
I've heard of many bright students who failed the JAMB examination because
they couldn't navigate the computer provided. It's crucial to learn how to
use the Computer-Based Test (CBT) center.
For beginners, practicing with JAMB CBT is essential. Familiarize yourself
with using computer equipment to write your examination properly.
If visiting a JAMB-accredited center for practice seems challenging, you can
explore an alternative approach. Learn basic computer operations at a nearby
cyber cafe, or seek guidance from a friend, relative, or someone with
personal computer experience.
Focus on mastering basic computer operations such as moving the cursor and
performing actions like double-clicking or entering input with keywords.
It's not just about knowing; it's about being able to apply your knowledge
effectively.
Write the JAMB mock examination
An effective strategy to enhance your chances of success in the JAMB
examination is to actively engage in the mock examination conducted before
the main event.
The mock serves as a diagnostic tool, allowing students to assess their
preparedness for the actual examination. It provides valuable insights into
your strengths and weaknesses, offering an opportunity for self-evaluation.
Participating in the mock examination is beneficial for another crucial
reason—it exposes you to the style and format in which JAMB sets its
questions.
It's essential to note that the mock examination doesn't guarantee success
in the main examination, and the score obtained doesn't contribute to your
official JAMB score.
By engaging in the mock examination, you gain clarity on your proficiency in
various areas, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. This
insight becomes a roadmap for focused and targeted preparation as you
approach the main JAMB examination.
If it's within your means, I strongly recommend enrolling in the mock
examination to maximize your preparedness for the upcoming JAMB examination.
Do you still remember the things you need to do to pass the examination?
Summarization
- Prepare with the JAMB syllabus.
- Prepare with the JAMB-recommended textbooks.
- Learn with past questions.
- Attend a private JAMB lecture.
- Hang out with your fellow jambite.
- Focus on the basic points.
- Practice with JAMB CBT center/ learn basic computer operations.
- Write the JAMB mock examination.
To sum it up, doing well in the upcoming JAMB exam is doable if you follow
some simple steps. Pay attention to important dates, use the right materials,
and study smart. Start early, practice with past questions, and don't forget
to learn how to use a computer for the exam. Connecting with friends and
attending extra lessons can also boost your chances. Remember, success in JAMB
is about being prepared and staying focused.
