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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced moves to significantly overhaul the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The board has inaugurated a committee to review the current format, which it acknowledges has become outdated.
What Happened
In a recent development, JAMB officials stated that the new UTME format will incorporate "life skills" and "critical thinking" components. The board noted that candidates already demonstrate their core subject knowledge through their WAEC and NECO certificates, suggesting that the UTME should test a broader range of cognitive and practical abilities rather than just rote memorisation.
In a recent development, JAMB officials stated that the new UTME format will incorporate "life skills" and "critical thinking" components. The board noted that candidates already demonstrate their core subject knowledge through their WAEC and NECO certificates, suggesting that the UTME should test a broader range of cognitive and practical abilities rather than just rote memorisation.
Who Is Affected
This development primarily affects prospective candidates preparing for future UTME cycles (likely starting from the 2027 examination), as well as secondary school teachers and career counselors who guide them.
This development primarily affects prospective candidates preparing for future UTME cycles (likely starting from the 2027 examination), as well as secondary school teachers and career counselors who guide them.
What This Means for Preparation
While the exact structure of the new exam is still being designed by the committee, the shift in focus is clear:
While the exact structure of the new exam is still being designed by the committee, the shift in focus is clear:
- Less reliance on "Expo" or rote memorisation: Simply memorising past questions will no longer be a guaranteed strategy for high scores.
- Focus on comprehension: Questions will likely require candidates to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, analyse data, or solve practical problems.
What Candidates and Teachers Should Do Next
Do not panic or abandon your current study plan. The foundational knowledge required for WAEC and NECO remains the bedrock of the UTME. However, students should begin to:
Do not panic or abandon your current study plan. The foundational knowledge required for WAEC and NECO remains the bedrock of the UTME. However, students should begin to:
- Practice reading comprehension and logical reasoning regularly.
- Focus on understanding the "why" and "how" behind scientific and artistic concepts, rather than just memorising definitions.
- Teachers should start integrating more problem-solving and discussion-based learning into their classroom routines.
Current status: This is a developing policy. The exact subjects, question formats, and implementation timeline will be determined by the committee. We will update this post once JAMB releases the official guidelines for the new format.
Relevant Links
- For official updates on UTME guidelines, monitor the JAMB website: https://jamb.gov.ng
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