For candidates seeking undergraduate admission into higher institutions, achieving a high score or meeting the required cut-off mark for their chosen course of study is often considered the key to securing admission.
However, the admission process is more complex than that. Many factors come into play, and understanding them is crucial for increasing the chances of securing admission.
In this article, we will explore the various factors that impact undergraduate admission and shed light on why high JAMB and Post-UTME scores may not guarantee admission.
Factors Affecting Undergraduate Admission
1. Admission Quota
Every educational institution has a specific admission quota, which is determined by the regulating body overseeing that institution. For universities, the National University Commission (NUC) sets the admission quota, which represents the number of candidates an institution can admit in each academic session based on its carrying capacity.
Once an institution has admitted the maximum number of candidates allowed, other applicants, even with high scores above the cut-off mark, may not receive admission in that school.
2. Admission Policy
The Federal Government has established guidelines for admissions into tertiary institutions, which allocate admission slots based on specific criteria. The admission policy includes the following distribution:
- 45% Admission based on Merit: Candidates with high scores in both the UTME and the admission screening exercise are given first consideration for admission in the institution they apply to study. Exceptional performance in these assessments increases the likelihood of falling into this category.
- 35% Admission based on Catchment Areas: Each Federal University has designated catchment areas, which are states connected to that particular institution. Applicants from states recognized as part of the university’s catchment area have a better chance of securing admission than those from states outside this area. Approximately 35% of available admission spaces are reserved for candidates from catchment areas.
- 20% Admission based on Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS): Certain states are considered educationally less developed or disadvantaged. Candidates from these states are given special consideration for admission and occupy 20% of the available admission slots.
- Admission Based on Science/Arts Ratio: The admission guidelines specify that 60% of candidates offering science-related courses will be admitted, while 40% of candidates offering arts-related courses will be admitted. This means that more science-related course applicants will be admitted compared to arts-related course applicants.
3. UTME/O’level Subject Combination
Choosing the correct UTME and O’level subject combination for the intended course of study is crucial. Neglecting this advice may automatically disqualify an applicant from admission consideration. Before applying for JAMB, candidates should consult the JAMB brochure to ensure they select the right UTME/O’level subjects for their desired course.
Conclusion
Securing undergraduate admission into higher institutions involves more than just obtaining high scores in the JAMB exam and the admission screening exercise. Understanding the factors that influence the admission process is essential for making informed decisions and increasing the likelihood of getting admitted to the desired institution and course of study.
Candidates should pay attention to admission quotas, adhere to the guidelines set by the Federal Government, and choose the right UTME/O’level subject combination for their chosen course. By considering all these factors, applicants can better navigate the admission process and improve their chances of securing admission into their dream higher institutions.
FAQs
- Is high performance in JAMB and the admission screening exercise enough to secure admission? High scores in JAMB and the admission screening exercise are essential, but other factors like admission quotas and the admission policy also play significant roles in securing admission.
- What is admission quota? Admission quota represents the maximum number of candidates an institution is allowed to admit in each academic session based on its carrying capacity.
- What is the importance of choosing the right UTME/O’level subject combination? Selecting the correct UTME/O’level subject combination for the intended course is crucial, as neglecting this may disqualify applicants from admission consideration.
- How are admission slots allocated based on the admission policy? Admission slots are distributed as follows: 45% based on merit, 35% based on catchment areas, and 20% based on candidates from Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS).
- What should candidates from Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) know about admission? Candidates from ELDS are given special consideration for admission and occupy 20% of the available slots in any institution they apply to study.
