The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam is a crucial entry point for Nigerian students aspiring to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. However, there are instances where a candidate may not achieve the required score in a given year and wishes to know if it is possible to combine two JAMB results to meet university admission requirements. This article delves into the possibility of combining two JAMB results, analyzing the process, regulations, and alternatives.

Recent statistics indicate that over 1.8 million candidates sat for JAMB in 2023, with only about 500,000 gaining admission into tertiary institutions, underscoring the competitiveness of the process. Understanding your options when you don’t achieve the desired result is crucial for maximizing your chances of success.

Can You Combine Two JAMB Results?

The direct answer is no, it is not officially possible to combine two JAMB results to meet admission requirements for universities or other tertiary institutions in Nigeria. JAMB operates under a one-result-per-year system, meaning that candidates are required to present only a single valid result from a particular year for the admission process.

While JAMB allows for the reuse of a previous year’s result (as long as it falls within the acceptable timeframe for an institution), there is no provision to merge or combine scores from two separate years or sittings into one application.

Key Reasons Behind the Policy

There are several reasons why JAMB results cannot be combined:

1. Validity of the Score: JAMB results are valid for one year only, meaning the result from one year’s exam cannot be combined with another. This ensures that students are evaluated on the basis of a single, unified score that reflects their performance at a particular point in time.
2. Admission Processes: Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education design their admission cut-off marks and criteria around single-year results, further making it impractical to allow combinations. Each year’s results are calibrated differently, which could result in inconsistencies when trying to merge scores.

What Are the Alternatives?

Although combining JAMB results is not permitted, students have alternative pathways to improve their chances of gaining admission:

1. Rewriting the JAMB Exam: This is the most straightforward option. Candidates can prepare again for the next JAMB exam and aim for a higher score. Many candidates attempt the exam multiple times before achieving a score that secures their desired course or institution.
2. Post-UTME (Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination): Some institutions offer post-UTME exams, which allow candidates with lower JAMB scores to increase their chances through excellent performance in these internal assessments. While the specific score required to qualify for post-UTME varies by institution, it often provides a secondary opportunity to demonstrate academic potential.
3. Utilizing Other Admission Routes: Candidates can also explore alternatives such as:
   • Direct Entry: For those who have obtained a diploma or another relevant qualification, direct entry is an option that bypasses the need for a JAMB score altogether.
   • Pre-Degree Programs: Some universities offer pre-degree or foundational programs designed to prepare students for full-time undergraduate courses. These programs sometimes have more lenient entry requirements than regular admission processes.
4. Combining O’Level Results: While JAMB results cannot be combined, it is possible to combine O’Level results (such as WAEC or NECO) to meet admission requirements, provided the institution allows it. This is particularly useful for candidates who are missing key subjects in one sitting but have them in another.

Key Terminology

To ensure a deep understanding of this topic, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:

• JAMB: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, responsible for conducting entrance exams for Nigerian tertiary institutions.
• UTME: Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, the exam conducted by JAMB.
• Post-UTME: Additional screening exams conducted by some institutions after the JAMB exam.
• Direct Entry: An admission route for candidates with advanced qualifications such as a diploma or A-levels.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Path to Admission

In summary, it is not possible to combine two JAMB results for the purpose of gaining admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. However, students can explore other options such as rewriting JAMB, leveraging post-UTME exams, or utilizing other admission pathways like direct entry or pre-degree programs.

Actionable Advice: For students looking to improve their chances, focus on targeted preparation for JAMB or post-UTME exams, and consider applying to institutions with more flexible entry requirements. Explore additional resources, like JAMB preparation guides, to maximize your chances of success.