In this post we take a look at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board popularly referred to as JAMB and also highlights its functions in the educational system of Nigeria.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) was established in 1978 with the responsibility of ensuring a uniform standard for the conduct of matriculation examination and placement of suitable candidates into the nation’s Universities but shortly after, the law that brought JAMB into existence was amended in order to add the conduct of monotechnics, polytechnic and college of education matriculation examination so as to tackle issues of lack of standards and uniformity in admission processes, multiple application by students which led to multiple admissions for  some candidates and deprived others of the opportunity to gain admission into tertiary institutions.

Tertiary Education refers to education gotten after secondary education. Such education can be gotten in universities, polytechnic, monotechnics , college of education and other institutions offering correspondence courses.

JAMB is responsible for conducting Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) into all form of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

In the past matriculation examination into universities(UME) used to be held separately from that of monotechnics, polytechnic and college of education (MPCE)  but in a bid to save time,  cost of operation and give every candidate equal opportunity to gain admission into any school based on their   academic performance , JAMB revamped the examination practice and joined both exams together to form Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

UTME helps JAMB establish  a fair method of selection for admission and helps create an equitable distribution of available space in tertiary institutions.

Functions Of Jamb In The Nigerian Educational System:

1. Conducting of UTME

JAMB is responsible for conducting Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which possesses a cut off mark and  acts as a requirement for gaining admission into all the tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

JAMB also conducts appointment of examiners, moderators, invilgilator, members of the subject panels and other personels essential for the smooth conduct of the examination.

The board also employs various strategies to combat examination malpractice such as use of National security agency and Civil Defence Corps(NSCS), independent monitors e.t.c

2. Ensure Eligibility of Candidates seeking Admission into Tertiary Institutions

JAMB helps to ensure candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions are eligible by fielding the following qualifications and it’s equivalent as part of its requirements for  participation  in the UTME exams and also to gain admission into tertiary institutions.

The West African School Certificate (WASC) issued by The West African Examination Council (WAEC)

The Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE)  issued by The National Examination Council  (NECO)

The National Technical Certificate or the National business Certificate (NTC /NBC) issued by The National Business and Technical Examinations  Board (NABTEB)

Teacher’s Grade II Certificate

Candidates who have sat or are scheduled to sit for examinations in any of these qualifications in the year of application may also sit for the UTME.

3. Structuring of The Unified Tertiary  Matriculation Examination

JAMB is responsible for fixing the venue and date of the UTME exam,  it’s frequency, the mode of the test (CBT or paper  based), the duration and general subjects for all candidates.

4. Creation of Admission Requirements

JAMB works alongside other academic bodies to create requirements such as five/four relevant subjects and  cut off marks to distinguish students suitable for universities from others and as well to ensure