IJMB vs. JAMB: Which One is Right for You? The REAL Truth
Nigerian students are familiar with the IJMB and JAMB exams before university education. However, deciding which one is right for you can be challenging. This article compares IJMB vs. JAMB, outlining their unique features, entry requirements, and advantages. Understanding the benefits of each program is vital for making an informed decision. To determine the ideal path for your academic goals, read on to learn IJMB and JAMB and choose the best fit for your educational journey.
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IJMB vs JAMB: Which is more likely to get you into university?
The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are accepted qualifications for admission into universities in Nigeria. JAMB is the primary examination taken by candidates who wish to gain admission into universities in Nigeria, usually after they have completed O-Level or equivalent qualifications.
IJMB, on the other hand, is an advanced-level program that allows candidates to gain direct entry into 200-level Nigerian universities after successfully completing the program. As the two qualifications serve different purposes in the university admission process, choosing between them is not a matter. Some students might even take both exams to increase their chances of securing admission into the university. Ultimately, the decision of which qualification to pursue depends on the individual preference and circumstances of the student.
IJMB vs JAMB: The pros and cons of each
| Factors | IJMB | JAMB |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | One-year program (Compulsory Full-time Study) | Qualified exam for universities, Polytechnics, or Colleges of Education |
| University Entry | It takes you into 200L of almost any Nigerian University | Takes you into 100L of any higher institution |
| Result Validity | The result does not expire and can be used for university admission up to 10 years after the exam | The result expires the same year and requires rewriting the exam for subsequent admission cycles, even if the previous exam was passed |
| Fees | Fees are relatively high | Fees are relatively low |
| Course Options | Allows study of any course | Allows study of any course |
| Exam Format | Includes both theory and practical sciences, written with pen and paper | Computer Based Exam |
| Admission Competition | Less competitive, with around 30,000 candidates annually | Highly competitive, with more than 1.5 million candidates annually |
| Acceptance by Universities | Not accepted by some universities like Unilag, Uniport, LASU, and UI | Accepted by all universities |
| Application Process | Fill out the IJMB Form | Pay for the JAMB Form, usually by transfer or other specified methods |
IJMB vs. JAMB: The benefits of each
| Factors | IJMB | JAMB |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Pre-degree program to gain admission into universities | Entrance examination for admission into universities |
| Duration | 9-12 months | Examination conducted once a year |
| Curriculum | Subjects offered based on your desired field of study | Subjects specified by JAMB |
| Flexibility | Flexibility in choosing subjects based on your interests | Limited choice of subjects based on JAMB’s syllabus |
| Validity | IJMB result is valid for many years (e.g., 7-10 years) | JAMB result is valid for one year |
| University Entry | IJMB result can be used to gain direct entry into 200-level | JAMB result is required for university admission |
| Competitive | Less competitive compared to JAMB | More competitive due to a larger applicant pool |
| Cost | Cost varies depending on the study center | Registration fee and other associated costs |
| Availability | Available at selected study centers in Nigeria | Available nationwide |