I wrote JAMB seven different times before finally gaining admission into the University of Ibadan to study Medicine and Surgery. Because of this long journey, I consider myself something of a “JAMB specialist.” I understand this exam and its system in ways many people do not.

Now, let me say this clearly: there are many paths to success. Writing JAMB and going to school is just one of them. Others include learning a trade, starting a business, becoming a musician, excelling in sports, content creation, or even dancing on TikTok. But if you are like me—or you have someone who insists on taking the JAMB path—then this message is for you.

Why Do So Many People Write JAMB?

Every year, thousands of young Nigerians rush to buy JAMB forms because many believe university education is the golden ticket to wealth—Lamborghinis, power bikes, or even helicopters. And yes, education can create opportunities. But what most people don’t understand is how JAMB really works, and because of this ignorance, many make costly mistakes that affect the rest of their lives.

What Exactly is JAMB?

JAMB stands for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Their main function is to conduct the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) and help universities, polytechnics, and colleges admit students.

Think of it like this:

• Secondary schools produce tons of students each year.
• JAMB acts as a sieve or middleman, filtering these students into universities and other institutions.

In simple terms: JAMB is the WhatsApp through which you communicate with your dream school.

The Big Misunderstanding About JAMB

Here’s what most people don’t realize: JAMB doesn’t fail you.

Failure in JAMB is relative. Someone who scores 182 might be celebrating, while another person with 310 might be depressed because they didn’t get the course they wanted. The truth is, JAMB has no blog, no counselor, and no advisory platform telling you the score you need to study a particular course in a particular school. They assume you already know—but most candidates don’t.

So yes, you can score 120 and technically “leave home,” but in real life that same score might trap you in a course or school you never wanted.

JAMB Gives Admission—It Doesn’t Make Decisions for You

This is where many fall into a trap. For example:

• You applied for Medicine at UI.
• You scored 215.
• Months later, JAMB tells you: “Sorry, no Medicine. But here’s Microbiology. Accept or decline.”

Many rush to accept because they just want to say, “I’m now a UI student.” But this short-term excitement can create long-term regret.

Others refuse, try again, and keep trying until they finally secure the exact course they want. People may mock them as “JAMB customers,” but in the long run, they’re often the wiser ones.

Why JAMB is Tougher Than Secondary School

JAMB is not just an exam—it’s also a correctional system for our weak secondary school system. Many of us realized this the hard way when we entered the exam hall and saw questions our teachers never taught in three years of SS classes.

The people who score 300+ are usually:

• Self-studiers,
• Students who attended strong tutorials, or
• Those whose parents provided the right textbooks and guidance.

For people like me, I had to discover these strategies on my own—learning from friends, correcting mistakes, and gradually mastering how JAMB really works.

JAMB doesn’t care about your background, your title in school, or how good your teachers were. Everyone faces the same standard, and that’s what makes it such a dangerous but fair exam.

How to Survive JAMB’s Checkpoint

• Fix the errors from secondary school (learn what you were never taught).
• Change your mindset (don’t just accept anything).
• Prepare adequately (use the right resources).

Those with a strong background clear this checkpoint easily. Others realize their weakness, improve themselves, and eventually win too. But many simply accept whatever JAMB offers them—and years later, they face the regret when it’s too late to start over.