JAMB is a rite of passage for every Nigerian student hoping to enter a university, polytechnic, or college of education. But let’s be honest: most of us go into our first JAMB with a mixture of fear, excitement, and plenty of mistakes.
If I could go back in time, I’d tell my younger self a few important things. And that’s exactly what this article is about: 10 things I wish I knew before writing my first JAMB, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.
1. JAMB Is More About Strategy Than Just “Knowing Books”
In secondary school, we’re used to writing long essays and taking our time. But JAMB is different. It’s not just about how much you know—it’s about how fast and smart you are.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 JAMB tests speed, accuracy, and time management, not just knowledge.
👉 Answering 180 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes is no joke.
2. Time Will Never Be Enough If You Don’t Practise
You can know all the formulas, poems, and dates. But if you’ve never practised with a timer, you’ll struggle with time on the actual day.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 Use JAMB CBT apps early. Practice daily under timed conditions.
👉 Learn how to skip tough questions and come back to them later.
3. Reading Past Questions Is Non-Negotiable
JAMB repeats question patterns. Sometimes, they lift questions word-for-word from past years.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 If I had solved 10 years’ worth of past questions, I’d have gained a clear edge.
👉 Focus on understanding why each answer is right or wrong—not just guessing.
4. Cramming Doesn’t Work for JAMB
WAEC might allow some cramming, especially in theory, but JAMB doesn’t. Objective questions are designed to expose shallow understanding.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 JAMB will confuse you with similar options if you don’t understand the topic deeply.
👉 Focus on understanding concepts, not memorising answers.
5. JAMB Centres Are Not Always as Smooth as You Expect
Some JAMB CBT centres have technical issues—computers freezing, systems logging students out, or even lack of enough systems.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 Arrive early. Carry your registration slip and backup identification.
👉 Prepare for unexpected delays without panicking.
6. Guessing Can Be Dangerous—And Helpful
When time runs out or you’re unsure, you might guess. But wild guessing isn’t smart.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 Use educated guessing. Eliminate wrong options and choose the most likely one.
👉 Don’t leave questions unanswered—no negative marking in JAMB.
7. Your English Paper Can Make or Break You
Many students focus only on their main subjects like Biology, Government, or Mathematics. But Use of English carries 100 marks and can boost or kill your total score.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 Master comprehension passages and summary sections.
👉 Practice with past questions—understand how JAMB frames tricky questions.
8. Confidence Is Everything
I was so nervous that my hands were shaking at the centre. I forgot things I knew very well.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 If you’ve prepared well, walk into the hall like you own it.
👉 Anxiety wastes time. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
9. You Don’t Need to Be a Genius—Just Consistent
I thought I had to be super brilliant to pass JAMB. Not true. Consistency beats cramming.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 Reading daily—even for 30 minutes—gives better results than last-minute reading marathons.
👉 Stick to a study schedule. Stay away from distractions.
10. Your Score Can Open or Close Many Doors
I didn’t realise how important my JAMB score was until admission lists came out.
What I Wish I Knew:
👉 A high JAMB score gives you more options—even if your WAEC has some issues.
👉 Some competitive courses need 280+, so don’t aim for just the pass mark.
Final Thoughts: If I Could Write JAMB Again…
If I could go back, I’d start preparing at least 4 months ahead. I’d use CBT apps, solve past questions, revise smarter, and trust God more.
If you’re writing JAMB soon, let this article be your second chance—before you make the same mistakes. Your future is worth the extra effort.
Stay focused. Start now. And always remember: “Preparation plus prayer equals progress.”