5 Important Information a JAMB/UTME Candidates Must Know About a School/Institution Before Applying

5 Important Factors UTME Candidates Should Consider When Choosing a School

A lot of UTME candidates and students register for the JAMB exam without knowing which school to pick.

Choosing a random school can reduce your chances of getting admitted or make your studies harder, even if you get in. It could also prevent you from joining the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after graduation.

If you’re preparing for the 2025 JAMB exam, this post will guide you in selecting the right school.

Below are the important factors to consider before choosing a school:

1. Make Sure the School and Your Course Are Approved/Accredited

Before you choose a school, check if the school and the course you want to study are approved by the government through the National Universities Commission (NUC). Some schools offer courses that are not approved, and if you choose them, you might waste your time and money on a program that is not recognized.

2. Think About the School’s Catchment Area

Some schools give special consideration to students from certain states, known as the catchment area. For example, if you are from Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, or Ogun, you have a better chance of getting into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) because these states are part of its catchment area. This doesn’t mean you can’t apply if you’re from another state, but students from the catchment area may get in more easily.

3. Check the School’s Strike Record

Some schools go on strike more often than others, which can delay your graduation. Apart from nationwide strikes by unions like ASUU and ASUP, some schools also have their own internal strikes. It’s important to find out if the school you want to choose has a history of frequent strikes so that you don’t end up spending more years in school than expected.

4. Know the Admission Requirements

Different schools have different admission requirements. Some schools have high JAMB cut-off marks (like 200), while others accept lower scores. Check the requirements for the school you want to apply to and make sure you meet them. You should also find out how the school admitted students in the past years so you won’t be caught off guard.

5. Understand How the Screening Works

Schools use different methods to screen students for admission. Some only use your JAMB and O’level results, while others also conduct tests. If your O’level results are good, you may do well in schools that use only JAMB and O’level results. Knowing how the school screens candidates will help you prepare better.

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