The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian government agency responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which serves as the primary entrance examination for students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
History and Establishment
JAMB was established in 1978 to standardize the admission process into higher institutions. Before its creation, different universities conducted their own entrance examinations, which often led to inconsistencies and disparities in admission criteria. The formation of JAMB helped to centralize and streamline the process, ensuring that candidates were evaluated fairly based on a uniform examination system.
Functions of JAMB
The main functions of JAMB include:
- Conducting the UTME: This is a standardized test taken by students who wish to gain admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
- Setting Admission Guidelines: JAMB collaborates with universities, polytechnics, and colleges to establish admission requirements and cut-off marks.
- Regulating the Admission Process: It ensures that institutions comply with the admission criteria set by the government and prevents bias in student selection.
- Maintaining a Central Admission Processing System (CAPS): This online platform allows students to track their admission status, accept or reject offers, and monitor the progress of their application.
UTME and Its Importance
JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a computer-based test (CBT) that evaluates candidates in subjects relevant to their chosen courses. The results of the UTME determine a candidate’s eligibility for further admission processing, including post-UTME screenings by individual institutions.
To be eligible for JAMB registration, candidates must have a minimum of five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, including English Language and other subjects relevant to their course of study.
JAMB plays a crucial role in ensuring that the admission process in Nigeria’s higher education system is transparent, fair, and merit-based, giving every qualified student an equal opportunity to pursue higher education.
General JAMB/UTME Eligibility Requirements
To register and sit for the UTME, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Minimum Academic Qualification
- Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, including English Language and other relevant subjects.
- The five credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Some courses, such as Medicine and Law, require all credits in one sitting.
Age Requirement
- The minimum age for UTME candidates is 16 years at the time of admission.
- Some universities may have higher age requirements for certain programs.
JAMB Subject Combination
- Candidates must choose the correct subject combination for their desired course.
- Choosing the wrong combination may lead to disqualification from admission consideration.
- Each university and course has a specific subject requirement outlined in JAMB’s official brochure.
Registration Process
- UTME registration is done online via the JAMB portal (www.jamb.gov.ng) or accredited registration centers.
- Candidates must create a JAMB profile before registering.
- Registration fees and biometric verification are required.
UTME Examination Structure
The UTME consists of four subjects, with English Language being compulsory for all candidates. The other three subjects depend on the candidate’s chosen course.
Exam Format
- The UTME is a computer-based test (CBT).
- The total number of questions is usually 180 (45 per subject).
- Each subject carries 100 marks, making a total of 400 marks.
Duration of the Exam
- The exam typically lasts for two hours (120 minutes).
- Candidates must manage their time efficiently to complete all sections.
Scoring System
- Each question carries one mark.
- The total score determines a candidate’s eligibility for admission.
Jamb Subject Combination For Political Science
To study Political Science in a Nigerian university, candidates must register for four (4) subjects in their JAMB UTME. The official subject combination is:
English Language (Compulsory for all courses in JAMB).
Government or History (Recommended because Political Science is closely related to these subjects).
Any two of the following:
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Literature in English
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS) / Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
- Civic Education
- Geography
It is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen university, as some institutions may have slight variations in their subject preferences.
University-Specific Variations
While the general JAMB subject combination for Political Science is:
- English Language (Compulsory)
- Government or History
- Any two of Economics, Mathematics, Literature in English, CRS/IRS, Civic Education, or Geography
Different universities in Nigeria may have slight variations in their admission requirements. Below is a breakdown of the specific subject preferences and O’Level requirements for some major universities offering Political Science.
Federal Universities and Their Subject Requirements
| University | JAMB Subject Combination | O’Level Requirements | Mathematics Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | English, Government, Economics, and any other Social Science subject | Five credits including English, Mathematics, Government, and two Social Science subjects | Yes |
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | English, Government, and any two from Economics, CRS/IRS, Geography | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | English, Government, and any two from Literature, Economics, CRS, Geography | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | English, Government, and any two from CRS, Economics, Literature | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | English, Government, Economics, and one Social Science subject | Five credits including English, Government, Mathematics, and two other subjects | Yes |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | English, Government, and any two from Economics, CRS, Literature | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
Key Observations:
- UNILAG and OAU require Mathematics at O’Level for Political Science.
- ABU, UI, UNN, and UNIBEN do not make Mathematics compulsory.
- Government is generally preferred over History as a core subject for Political Science.
State Universities and Their Subject Requirements
| University | JAMB Subject Combination | O’Level Requirements | Mathematics Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State University (LASU) | English, Government, and any two from History, Economics, Geography, CRS | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | English, Government, Economics, and any other Social Science subject | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| Delta State University (DELSU) | English, Government, and any two from Economics, CRS, Literature | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| Benue State University (BSU) | English, Government, and any two from Economics, CRS, Literature | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | English, Government, and any two from Literature, CRS, Economics | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
Key Observations:
- Most state universities do not require Mathematics for Political Science.
- Some allow History instead of Government, but Government is still preferred.
Private Universities and Their Subject Requirements
| University | JAMB Subject Combination | O’Level Requirements | Mathematics Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant University | English, Government, Economics, and any other Social Science subject | Five credits including English, Government, and Mathematics | Yes |
| Babcock University | English, Government, and any two from CRS, Literature, Economics | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| Bowen University | English, Government, Economics, and any other relevant subject | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
| Afe Babalola University | English, Government, Economics, and one other Social Science subject | Five credits including English, Government, and three other subjects | No |
Key Observations:
- Covenant University requires Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
Most private universities are flexible, allowing a mix of Social Science and Arts subjects.
Direct Entry Requirements for Political Science in Nigerian Universities
Direct Entry (DE) admission provides an alternative pathway for candidates who have higher qualifications beyond the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This route is open to those with A-Level qualifications, National Diploma (ND), National Certificate of Education (NCE), or other equivalent qualifications.
Below is a detailed guide on the Direct Entry (DE) requirements for Political Science in Nigeria, including:
- General Direct Entry Requirements
- Accepted Qualifications for Direct Entry
- University-Specific Direct Entry Criteria
- Application Process for Direct Entry Admission
Application Process for Direct Entry Admission
Obtain JAMB Direct Entry Form
- Visit JAMB’s official website (www.jamb.gov.ng) and purchase the Direct Entry (DE) form.
- The form is usually available between February and May each year.
Select Your Preferred University and Course
- Choose Political Science as your course.
- Select universities that accept your qualifications (ND, NCE, JUPEB, etc.).
Upload Your Credentials on JAMB Portal
- Provide scanned copies of:
- O’Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB).
- A-Level, ND, HND, or NCE results.
- JAMB registration slip.
Attend Post-UTME/Screening Exercise
- Some universities conduct a Direct Entry screening test.
- Others use academic records and interview assessments.
Wait for Admission List
- If successful, you will be admitted into 200 level.
- Admission lists are released between August and November each year.
Conclusion
Choosing the right JAMB subject combination and understanding the Direct Entry (DE) requirements for Political Science are crucial steps toward securing admission into a Nigerian university. While English and Government are compulsory subjects, universities may have slight variations in additional subject preferences and O’Level requirements.
For UTME candidates, it is essential to check the specific subject combinations accepted by their preferred university to avoid disqualification. Similarly, Direct Entry applicants must ensure they meet the A-Level, ND, HND, or NCE criteria required by different institutions.
To increase their chances of admission, candidates should:
- Select the correct subject combination for JAMB UTME.
- Verify university-specific variations in admission criteria.
- Ensure they meet O’Level and Direct Entry requirements.
- Properly upload their credentials on the JAMB portal.
With careful planning and adherence to admission guidelines, aspiring Political Science students can successfully secure a spot in their chosen institution and pursue a rewarding career in governance, public administration, international relations, and policy-making.
