Every year, we see the same heartbreaking trend—students pouring out of CBT centers with tears in their eyes, clutching their JAMB slips and wondering what went wrong. The 2024 JAMB exam wasn’t any different. Over 70% of candidates scored below 200. That’s more than half of Nigeria’s young dreamers watching their university hopes hang in the balance.
But here’s the hard truth—JAMB failure doesn’t just happen by chance. It happens because of avoidable mistakes. And if you’re reading this, consider yourself lucky. Because I’m about to tell you the 10 common reasons why students fail JAMB… and how to avoid ending up in that same category.
Let’s get into it.
1. Poor Preparation Habits
Let’s not even sugarcoat this. If you didn’t read, you shouldn’t expect to pass. More than 80% of JAMB failures are linked to poor study habits or no preparation at all.
Some students would rather spend hours on TikTok and WhatsApp than pick up a book. Then when exam time comes, they start praying for miracles.
Here’s the truth: miracles won’t help if you haven’t done your part. Follow a reading timetable, attend tutorial centers, join study groups—just do what needs to be done!
2. Ignoring the JAMB Syllabus
One of the biggest mistakes students make is reading randomly without checking the JAMB syllabus.
You read a 500-page textbook but none of the content shows up in the exam. Why? Because you didn’t follow what JAMB said you should study.
Before you open any book, go to the official JAMB website and download the latest syllabus for your subjects. That way, you’re reading what matters.
3. Breaking Exam Rules
Every exam has rules. JAMB is no exception.
Some students walk into the hall without reading the instructions on their computer screen. Others forget to click “submit” before leaving. And some? They go as far as cheating.
These rules are not for decoration. Follow them unless you want your result withheld or canceled.
4. Lack of Concentration
I once heard a boy say he submitted his JAMB exam halfway by mistake. I asked him what happened. He said, “Aunty, I didn’t eat before the exam. My head was not correct.”
Please, eat and sleep well the night before your exam. Your brain needs energy to function. Don’t let hunger or fatigue ruin a year’s worth of effort.
5. Bad Time Management
Time management is everything during JAMB. You have just two hours. And if you spend 30 minutes on one question? You’re on your own o!
If a question is tough, skip it and come back later. Start with the easy ones to build your confidence.
Don’t be a hero—be smart.
6. Arriving Late to the Exam Center
JAMB is not a wedding that you can show up “fashionably late.” If your slip says 7:00 AM, you better be at the center by 6:30 AM latest.
Some students arrive late and are denied entry. Others miss the exam completely.
Set five alarms if you have to. Just don’t be late.
7. Registering Late
You knew JAMB form would be out. Yet you waited until the last week to register. Now you’ve been posted to a CBT center three states away.
Whose fault?
Register early and avoid stories that touch.
8. Computer Illiteracy
Let’s face it—some students still struggle with using a computer in 2024. They click “Next” instead of “Submit.” Or they stare at the screen, clueless.
If you don’t know how to use a mouse, keyboard, or CBT software, please attend a training before your exam. JAMB is not the place to practice.
9. Lack of Reliable Information
If you’re serious about JAMB, then plug yourself into the right circles. Follow JAMB’s official Twitter page, join WhatsApp and Facebook groups, check forums.
Many students missed their exams because they didn’t know when their slip was out or when their exam date was.
Don’t be that person. Stay informed.
10. Poorly Equipped CBT Centers
Let’s not pretend some centers are not a complete mess.
I’ve heard of computers crashing mid-exam, power outages without backup, even mouse or keyboard not working. How will a student write like that?
If you’re lucky enough to be posted to a decent center, thank your stars. If not, report any issue immediately to the JAMB officials at the center and request a reschedule if necessary.
Conclusion.
Failing JAMB doesn’t mean your life is over. But you must be honest with yourself and learn from your mistakes.
If you avoid the ten pitfalls listed above, there’s no reason you can’t crush JAMB and get into the university of your dreams.
Oh—and before I forget, I’m currently working on a free CBT practice app that will soon be available on my website. It’ll help you test yourself before the real exam. So bookmark this blog or turn on notifications so you don’t miss the update when it goes live.
If you found this helpful, share with someone who is preparing for JAMB. Let’s help each other win.
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