If you're a Jambite—someone who's just written or about to write JAMB—you’re standing at a huge crossroads. Your decisions now will shape the next few years of your life. No pressure, but it's better to go in with your eyes wide open. Here’s the real advice you need:
1. Admission: Focus on Strategy, Not Just Dreams
Getting admitted isn't just about wanting it badly. It's about understanding how the system works.
Be realistic about your score. If you scored 180, applying for medicine at UI isn’t a strategy; it’s suicide. Find courses and schools where your score actually gives you a fighting chance.
Use your second choice wisely. Don't waste it on another top school for the same competitive course. Pick a less competitive school or course where you’ll be highly considered.
Consider less competitive universities. Some federal and state universities have lower cutoff marks and still deliver good education.
Bottom line: Don’t waste your JAMB score chasing illusions. Play smart.
2. Course Choice: Passion Is Good, but Market Sense Is Better
It’s easy to say “follow your passion,” but passion won’t fix unemployment.
Blend passion with practicality. Love literature? Great. But also think about what side skills (like digital marketing, editing, publishing) you can pick up alongside.
Think long-term. Nigeria’s economy is tough. Look at fields that offer flexibility: Tech, Health, Law, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, etc.
Don’t be rigid. If you miss your first choice, be willing to study a related course. Life has many roads to success.
Bottom line: Pick a course you can survive on and still love when the bills come in.
3. University Choice: It’s Not Just About "Big Names"
Unpopular opinion: the university you attend matters less than what you do there.
Don’t be obsessed with “first-generation” schools. Yes, UNILAG, UI, OAU, ABU, and UNN are great. But other universities offer serious opportunities too, sometimes with less stress.
Check strike history. Some schools are strike-prone. Four years can easily turn to seven if you’re not careful.
Research school facilities. Especially for practical courses. A medical student should not be studying in a place with no working teaching hospital.
Bottom line: Choose a university that fits your course, your score, your budget, and your mental health.
Final Words
As a Jambite, you're at the start of a long journey. Stay humble. Stay flexible. Stay strategic. Admission is just the first win—you still have to survive the real university hustle after that.
And remember: it’s better to get in smart and early than to be writing JAMB for five years chasing shadows.
Good luck—you’ve got this.
