The JAMB 2024 has come and gone but the results have left many scratching their heads, wondering where they took a wrong turn and what is the next step to correct the deteriorating performance of students in their exam.

Like in previous years, Jamb has continued to record mass failure in her exams, with 76% scoring below the average mark of 200 in this year's exam. The results have left a trail of disappointment and confusion in their wake.

In this blog, we're delving into the post-mortem of why numerous students stumbled on this academic journey.
From overlooked study strategies to unexpected challenges, we'll dissect the reasons behind their setbacks and offer insights that go beyond the exam hall.

So, whether you're a parent seeking clarity or just a fellow observer concerned about the educational state in Nigeria, join us as we uncover the reasons behind the exam results.

You will learn valuable lessons from their journey to avoid similar pitfalls in the upcoming WAEC exams.
Let's put our pencils on the paper and 'test' out the reasons why students might be falling short!

5 Most Common Reasons Why Students Fail JAMB

Lack of Adequate Preparation

Preparation is a major factor contributing to students' struggles in exams. Most of these students are either busy with their phones, tiktoking or tweeting all day rather than studying.

I remember seeing a video of a JAMB candidate who posted a video about her journey to the exam and ended up getting a JAMB score of 155.
It looks like she misplaced her compass in the exam hall and ended up on the "failure lane" instead of the success highway!

Insufficient study time leaves students ill-prepared to tackle the breadth of exam content.
It's even more surprising when you see these students, mostly below the age of 20, ‘hustling’ instead of preparing for their exams.

This has been one of the trends in recent times. Immediately after finishing their secondary school education, students start working and unfortunately, not everybody knows how to manage their time well, resulting in an inability to study effectively.

Lack of Familiarity with Exam Format

Another reason why many students fail JAMB is a poor understanding of the exam format.
This can significantly hinder a student's performance. Many students are ignorant of question patterns and this leaves students unprepared for the types of questions they may encounter.

A lady complained bitterly to me after writing her JAMB 2024 examination that she wasn't accustomed to answering so many questions in so little time.

She struggled to answer multiple-choice questions because she hadn't practiced that format before.

Test Anxiety and Pressure

One other reason why students fail Jamb is Test Anxiety and Pressure. Most people do not think this is a serious factor but it most certainly is.
The first time I wrote Jamb in 2015, though I was well prepared for the exam, there was a lot of pressure on me to score at least 250+ which was then very important to get admission into the University of Ibadan to study Medicine.

On the d-day, I was so anxious that I ended up having difficulties in concentration, memory recall, and problem-solving.
Additionally, the fear of disappointing oneself or others can create negative thoughts and self-doubt, further exacerbating the situation

Lack of Understanding of Syllabus

In order not to fail JAMB exam, understanding the entirety of the syllabus is crucial.
Inadequate subject knowledge often stems from gaps in curriculum coverage and shallow understanding.
Unfortunately, some students do not use this syllabus to prepare and they just read ‘blindly’

UTME candidates must study the Jamb syllabus and use it to prepare for the exam on their own. Attending tutorial/remedial centres can also help as they use this syllabus to prepare students for exams.

Lack of Focus and Motivation

Another significant reason why many students fail JAMB is a lack of focus and motivation.
Many youths in Nigeria nowadays do not believe in education anymore, hence the common phrase of ‘school na scam’

Some of the candidates just wrote the exams because their parents asked them to. I know a guy who showed zero interest in the exam because he was already making ‘cool money’ as he called it from Internet fraud, popularly known as ‘yahoo yahoo’.

Unless the right approach is taken by the students, the parents, and the schools, students will continue to fail the JAMB exam and even their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

Students do not want to put in a conscientious effort to learn because they have the assurance that their schools engage in examination malpractices and will help them scale through.

Steps To Take To Avoid Failing WAEC

They learn to prioritize time. Time management is essential; creating a study schedule helps allocate time to each subject and ensures comprehensive coverage.

Active learning techniques, such as summarizing content or teaching others, enhance understanding and retention.

Seeking help from tutors or study groups can provide invaluable support for difficult topics, fostering a collaborative learning environment conducive to success.

Students need to practice exam questions to hone their skills and build confidence. Taking regular mock exams not only builds confidence but also serves as a gauge of knowledge retention and exam readiness.

Actively engage with study materials by teaching or explaining concepts to others.

By adopting these strategies, you can overcome difficulties in retaining information and master each subject with confidence.

Conclusion

Remember, success in exams is not just about intelligence but also about effective preparation, focus, and mindset.
By addressing these common pitfalls, you can enhance your chances of performing well in both JAMB and WAEC examinations. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. What can I do if my Jamb score is too low?
Getting a low score in JAMB is not the end of the world. You can explore other options such as changing your course of study, changing your institution to institutions that accept below 200. You can also apply for direct entry or diploma programs.

2. How to score above 300 in JAMB?
By understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, developing a study plan, mastering your subjects, practicing regularly, developing test-taking strategies, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support, you can significantly increase your chances of attaining this high score.

3. What schools accept Jamb scores below 200?
The following schools accept cut off marks of 200 and below in Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examination for the academic session.
In no particular order, they include:
· University of Calabar (UNICAL)
· Kogi State University (KSU)
· Ambrose Alli University, Edo state (AAU)
· The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Anambra State
· Kaduna State University
· Imo State University (IMSU)
· Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
· University of Jos, Jos (UNIJOS)
· Tai Solarrin College of Education, Ijebu-Ode
· Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State
· Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
· Federal University of Petroleum, Effurun
· Enugu State University of Science & Technology
· Rivers State University of Science & Technology (RSUST)
· Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) Abia State University, Uturu
· The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
· Usmanmu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
· University of Uyo (UNIUYO)

4. Why is JAMB delaying my results?
Solution to this issue. Verify the phone number you are using to send the SMS: Only the number you used in registering for JAMB can be used to access the SMS result checking.
So if you are using another number, you may not receive a response.
When JAMB declares that certain results are under investigation, it signifies that discrepancies or anomalies have been detected in those specific results.
These irregularities could range from issues with the examination's conduct to concerns about the integrity of the results themselves

5. Tips on how to pass WAEC
The following are tips on how to pass WAEC
· Prepare and read well.
· Always practice
· Always cross-check when you are done
· Understand the timing of the exam with demos
· Make sure everything is set
· Be relaxed.
· Do not lose your concentration.
· Always look at the time to check if you are on track.