Many students ask whether they should prepare for JAMB or WAEC. The two exams do different jobs, and most students who want to go to a Nigerian university will need both. This guide explains what each exam is for and where to start.
What WAEC SSCE is for
WAEC SSCE, also called WASSCE, is the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. You write it at the end of senior secondary school, and it gives you your school certificate. What you learn from SS1 to SS3 prepares you for it, and its papers include both objective and theory questions.
What JAMB UTME is for
JAMB UTME is the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. You write it when you apply to a Nigerian university. It is a computer-based test with Use of English and three other subjects that match your course: 180 questions in 2 hours, scored out of 400. All the questions are objective, so there is no theory to write.
How the two exams differ
What it gives you: WAEC gives you a school certificate. JAMB gives you a UTME score for university admission.
How you answer: WAEC has objective and theory questions. JAMB has objective questions only, answered on a computer.
What you study: WAEC follows your senior secondary subjects. JAMB tests Use of English and the three subjects your course needs.
Do you need both?
If you want a place at a Nigerian university, you usually do. Universities generally look at your UTME score and your O-level results, such as WAEC, so check the requirements for your course and university early.
If you only need your school certificate for now, start with WAEC.
Where to start
If you are in SS1 or SS2, focus on your WAEC subjects and build strong foundations class by class. If you are in SS3, prepare for both. Many subjects overlap, so much of your revision helps with both exams. If you have finished school and already have your results, concentrate on JAMB.
How GRO Academy can help
GRO Academy has a separate course of study for each exam, with its own subjects and plans. You can try 2 free topics in every subject for 7 days. Compare the exams.