UTME 2026: Comprehensive Guide to Elevating Your JAMB Performance
As James Baker, former U.S. Secretary of State, wisely noted, "proper preparation prevents poor performance". This principle holds particularly true for Nigerian students preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board's Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in 2026. With strategic planning and disciplined execution, candidates can significantly improve their scores and enhance their university admission prospects.
Insights from Education Stakeholders and High Achievers
Education professionals and former UTME candidates who achieved exceptional scores above 340 consistently attribute their success to several key factors. According to interviews conducted across Nigeria, including with stakeholders in Abuja's Federal Capital Territory, the foundational elements include:
- Discipline and consistent study habits
- Sacrifice of leisure time for academic focus
- Spiritual uprightness and moral perfection
- Unwavering commitment to educational goals
Adesegun Ogungbayi, board chairman of MIMS Educational Resources Limited, emphasizes that determination remains crucial for admission seekers aiming for high UTME marks. He references Umeh Nkechinyere, who topped JAMB's scoring chart in 2023 with an impressive 360 out of 400, as an example of what focused candidates can achieve.
Practical Strategies from Successful Candidates
Several 2025 UTME candidates who scored above 340, including exceptional mathematics performances exceeding 90, shared their proven methods during interviews in Ibadan, Oyo State. Their collective wisdom reveals a pattern of effective preparation techniques.
Sixteen-year-old Olarenwaju Okubanjo from Christ Ambassadors International College in Ibadan achieved 97 in Mathematics and 360 overall. He credits his success to persistent hard work combined with prayer, advising fellow candidates to maintain consistent reading and practice routines.
Chinedu Okeke, another 2025 top scorer, detailed his systematic approach:
- Enrollment in tutorial centers with Computer-Based Test facilities for weekly practice
- Regular study of textbooks and school notes alongside UTME-specific materials
- Daily practice with past questions to familiarize with exam patterns
- Early preparation commencement followed by unwavering consistency
Balanced Study Approaches for Optimal Performance
Agnes Maduafokwa, assistant head girl of Louisville Girls High School in Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State, who achieved the highest UTME score in 2020, offers crucial insights about sustainable study habits. While acknowledging that many students study extensively, sometimes into late hours, she advocates for a more balanced approach.
"Personally, I believe that the way to do things is to trust your system. When you are supposed to sleep, you should sleep because sleep is very essential," Maduafokwa explained. She emphasizes that candidates who maintain consistent effort from the beginning shouldn't need excessive last-minute cramming, which often leads to 'fast reading' without proper retention.
Her recommended strategy includes:
- Studying at intervals with regular breaks
- Maintaining proper sleep schedules for cognitive function
- Avoiding excessive night reading before examinations
- Trusting established preparation systems rather than panic studying
UTME 2026 Registration Essentials
Prospective candidates should note that JAMB has released comprehensive guidelines for the 2026 UTME registration process. Key requirements include obtaining a National Identification Number and creating a functional email address. The registration window opens on January 31, 2026, and closes on March 8, 2026, providing ample time for proper preparation alongside administrative formalities.
By combining these expert insights with personal dedication, Nigerian students can approach UTME 2026 with confidence, implementing proven strategies to maximize their scores and secure admission to their preferred tertiary institutions.
