JAMB, which stands for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is a Nigerian government agency responsible for conducting entrance examinations for prospective students seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is the primary examination conducted by JAMB, and it is written by millions of candidates every year. In this article, we will delve into the number of students who write JAMB every year and the factors that influence this number.
Overview of JAMB
JAMB was established in 1978 to streamline the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Before its establishment, each institution had its admission criteria and conducted its entrance examination, which led to numerous problems, including multiple applications by prospective students, the proliferation of examination centers, and the emergence of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the system for personal gain.
The introduction of JAMB eliminated the need for multiple entrance examinations, and prospective students could now take a single test that would determine their eligibility for admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria. The introduction of JAMB also helped to reduce the influence of powerful individuals who previously used their connections to secure admission for their wards and relatives.
The UTME is the primary examination conducted by JAMB, and it is written by prospective students seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The examination is computer-based, and it tests candidates’ knowledge in four subjects – English Language, Mathematics, and any two other relevant subjects based on the candidate’s intended course of study.
Factors Influencing the Number of Students Who Write JAMB Every Year
Several factors influence the number of students who write JAMB every year. They include:
Population Growth
Nigeria has a rapidly growing population, and this has led to an increase in the number of candidates who write JAMB every year. According to the National Population Commission, Nigeria’s population is estimated to be over 200 million, and it is projected to reach 400 million by 2050. This population growth has contributed to the increase in the number of candidates who write JAMB every year.
Access to Education
Access to education is another factor that influences the number of candidates who write JAMB every year. Over the years, the Nigerian government has made efforts to improve access to education, especially at the primary and secondary levels. This has led to an increase in the number of candidates who qualify to write JAMB every year.
Economic Conditions
The economic conditions in Nigeria also influence the number of candidates who write JAMB every year. The cost of living in Nigeria has risen significantly over the years, and many families struggle to afford the cost of education. This has led to a decline in the number of candidates who write JAMB every year.
Availability of Tertiary Institutions
The availability of tertiary institutions also influences the number of candidates who write JAMB every year. In Nigeria, there are currently over 160 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The location and reputation of these institutions also influence the number of candidates who apply to write JAMB every year.
Perception of JAMB
The perception of JAMB also influences the number of candidates who write the examination every year. Some students believe that JAMB is too difficult, and they opt not to write it. Others believe that JAMB is not a reliable indicator of their academic ability, and they prefer to seek admission through alternative means.
Number of Students Who Write JAMB Every Year
The number of candidates who write JAMB every year has been steadily increasing over the years. According to data from JAMB, a total of 1,949,983 candidates registered for the 2020 UTME, while 1,886,508 candidates registered for the 2021 UTME. This represents a slight decrease in the number of candidates who registered
for the UTME in 2021 compared to 2020.
However, it is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the number of candidates who registered for the UTME in 2021. The pandemic led to the closure of schools for an extended period, which disrupted the academic calendar and affected the readiness of some candidates to sit for the examination.
The table below shows the number of candidates who registered for the UTME from 2015 to 2021.
| Year | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,475,477 |
| 2016 | 1,589,175 |
| 2017 | 1,736,571 |
| 2018 | 1,652,825 |
| 2019 | 1,886,508 |
| 2020 | 1,949,983 |
| 2021 | 1,886,508 |
From the table above, we can see that the number of candidates who registered for the UTME has been steadily increasing over the years, with the exception of 2018 when there was a slight decrease. The highest number of candidates was recorded in 2020, with a total of 1,949,983 candidates registering for the examination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of candidates who write JAMB every year has been steadily increasing over the years. Factors such as population growth, access to education, economic conditions, availability of tertiary institutions, and the perception of JAMB all influence the number of candidates who register for the UTME. While the COVID-19 pandemic had a slight impact on the number of candidates who registered for the 2021 UTME, we expect that the number will continue to increase in the future, as more students seek admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
