What You Need to Know About JAMB, WAEC, and NECO
Let’s set the record straight. I often hear comments like:
“I failed JAMB.”
“This year’s JAMB was harder than last year’s.”
“More people passed or failed JAMB this year.”
These statements are misleading. JAMB is not a pass-or-fail exam; it is a ranking examination. Here’s what you need to understand.
*WAEC and NECO Are Qualifying Exams*
WAEC and NECO serve as qualifying exams. You pass when you secure five credits (or more), including English Language and Mathematics, along with any other subjects relevant to your intended course of study. If you don’t meet these minimum requirements, you fail.
These exams are designed to determine your eligibility for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria according to the current educational policy. Meeting the credit requirements means you are qualified — it’s that straightforward.
*JAMB Is a Ranking Exam*
In stark contrast, JAMB does not assess if you’re qualified; it ranks those who are already qualified to determine who gets admission based on available spaces. Here’s the reality:
This year, approximately 2 million candidates sat for the JAMB exam, while the total admission spaces across all Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are less than 800,000. Therefore, JAMB’s role is to rank candidates and select the top 700,000–800,000, depending on availability. It’s not about passing or failing — it’s about how you rank compared to others.
Consider this:
A candidate with a JAMB score of 250 might not secure admission if the competition for their chosen course or institution is fierce.
Conversely, another candidate with a score of 180 could gain admission if they rank well enough in a less competitive course or institution.
*Other Admission Factors*
Beyond JAMB ranking, institutions also evaluate:
– Merit
– Quota system
– Catchment area policies
– Federal character
– National and International spread
– Performance in O’level qualifying exams (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB)
While JAMB is crucial, it is only one of many factors influencing who ultimately gets admitted.
WAEC/NECO = Qualifying exams (you can pass or fail)
JAMB = Ranking exam (you’re ranked, not passed or failed)
Understanding this distinction is essential for managing your expectations and planning your academic future effectively.
What You Need to Know About JAMB, WAEC, and NECO
