An international education expert and award-winning educator, Chizuruoke Collins Ezem, has stated that a low Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score does not define a student's academic potential. Ezem, who won the Maltina Teacher of the Year award in 2019, emphasized that the difference between students who stagnate after a low score and those who succeed is not intelligence but strategic adjustment.
Strategic Course Adjustment
Ezem, based in the United Kingdom, shared practical ways for UTME candidates with low scores to gain admission into tertiary institutions. He highlighted the JAMB change of course option as one of the most immediate responses. Many candidates focus on highly competitive courses like Medicine or Law, which have high cut-off marks, creating unnecessary bottlenecks.
Change of Institution
He also suggested considering state universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. According to Ezem, a National Diploma from a polytechnic is not a limitation but a pathway. After completing the program, students can apply for Direct Entry into a university and often proceed directly into the second year. The route is different, but the destination remains the same.
IJMB and JUPEB Options
Ezem noted that IJMB and JUPEB provide structured solutions for students determined to pursue a university degree without repeating the UTME cycle. These A-Level programs typically run for nine to twelve months. Upon successful completion, candidates gain admission to the 200-level of a university through Direct Entry, bypassing the first year. The key advantage is that entry into these programs does not depend on JAMB scores.
Strategic Use of a Gap Year
Another underestimated path is the strategic use of a gap year. If a student chooses to retake the examination, that year should not be spent passively. The current global economy rewards practical competence. Skills in areas such as coding, data analysis, UI/UX design, or high-value vocational trades can position a student ahead of peers who rely solely on academic qualifications. A student who combines formal education with a practical skill enters the workforce with a measurable advantage.
Flexible Learning Options
Flexible learning options, such as the National Open University, allow immediate admission and self-paced study. While it may not carry the same social perception as traditional universities, it offers accessibility and continuity for students who need to move forward without delay.
Ezem concluded that each available pathway—whether through institutional change, A-Level programs, skill acquisition, or flexible learning—leads to a legitimate outcome. The difference lies in how effectively the option is executed. Education is not a straight line, and those who understand this early navigate it more effectively. Whether admission comes immediately or after an alternative route, the long-term outcome depends on preparation, skill, and direction.
Why UTME Candidates Cannot Print Results Yet
Many candidates have complained about their inability to print UTME results through the JAMB portal after checking their scores. JAMB has clarified that the restriction is intentional, stating that candidates can only view results at the current stage. The board advised candidates who lost their registration SIM cards to wait for further updates before accessing their results.
