One of the most common questions among Nigerian admission seekers is:
👉 “Can I combine two JAMB results for university admission?”
The short and clear answer is No — JAMB results cannot be combined across different years. But there are other important details every candidate should know.
Contents
🎓 Understanding JAMB Results Validity
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by JAMB, is a ranking test designed to measure candidates’ readiness for tertiary education.
- âś… Validity Period: JAMB results are valid for one admission cycle only.
- ❌ No Banking: You cannot keep a result for future use.
- 📌 Registrar’s Statement: According to JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the UTME is not an achievement test (like WAEC or NECO) that remains valid over time. Instead, it’s a one-time assessment influenced by factors such as preparation, year-specific cut-offs, and competition.
👉 This means each UTME result stands alone and cannot be merged with another year’s result.
📚 What About Combining O’Level Results?
While JAMB results cannot be combined, candidates can combine O’Level results to meet admission requirements.
- Commonly accepted exams include: WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and GCE.
- Students who don’t have all the required subjects in one sitting can use a second sitting to complete the requirements.
- For example:
- If you have credit passes in English and Mathematics in WAEC but missed Biology, you can use your NECO result with a Biology credit to qualify.
⚠️ Note: Some universities, like UI and UNILORIN, only accept one sitting for certain competitive courses (e.g. Medicine, Law). Always check your school’s admission policy.
âś… Key Takeaways
- No JAMB Combination: You cannot combine UTME scores from two different years.
- One-Year Validity: Each JAMB result expires after one admission cycle.
- O’Level Flexibility: You can combine O’Level results (WAEC + NECO, WAEC + NABTEB, etc.), but rules differ by institution.
- Stay Updated: Admission policies change — always confirm with your school and the official JAMB portal.
If your current JAMB score is not strong enough, it’s better to:
- Re-sit the UTME in the next cycle.
- Prepare smarter using JAMB past questions and CBT practice software.
- Upload your correct O’Level results on CAPS to avoid disqualification.
👉 Remember, admission depends on a combination of your JAMB score, O’Level performance, post-UTME screening, and your chosen institution’s requirements.
