JAMB Set to Introduce Life Skills and Critical Thinking Questions in UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has constituted a committee to develop a framework for incorporating life skills and critical thinking into the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The proposed review is aimed at assessing candidates beyond their knowledge of individual subjects and determining their ability to apply reasoning and problem-solving skills to real-life situations.

JAMB Reviews UTME Assessment Structure

Speaking on the initiative, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, explained that the proposed review is intended to align the UTME with the changing demands of higher education.

According to him, candidates already undergo subject-based assessments through their Senior Secondary School examinations conducted by bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The review will therefore examine whether the existing UTME structure remains effective in predicting candidates’ performance at the tertiary level.

Committee to Develop New Assessment Framework

JAMB has constituted a committee comprising stakeholders from various sectors of the education system and professional bodies.

The committee includes representatives from:

• Universities
• Examination bodies
• Professional regulatory councils
• Students’ groups
• Secondary schools
• Development organisations

The committee has been given four weeks to submit its initial recommendations to JAMB.

Proposed Questions May Test Critical Thinking

The proposed framework may assess skills such as analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, verbal reasoning, problem-solving and the ability to apply knowledge to practical situations.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented at the event, urged the committee to develop assessment methods that are fair, transparent and standardised.

The proposed life skills and critical thinking components may be incorporated into existing UTME subjects, depending on the outcome of the committee’s review and JAMB’s subsequent consideration of its recommendations.

No Confirmed Change to 2027 UTME Format Yet

It is important for prospective UTME candidates to note that the proposed changes are still under review.

The development does not currently represent a confirmed change to the UTME examination format. Candidates should therefore rely on official JAMB announcements for any final decision regarding the introduction, structure or implementation of the proposed assessment components.