1. Introduction
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is an examination board in Nigeria that is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This exam is a prerequisite for gaining admission into any Nigerian university. In addition to the UTME, JAMB also sets the syllabus for the Nigerian educational system. As part of the syllabus, JAMB requires students to read and analyze a novel for the UTME. This novel is chosen by JAMB every year and is used as a part of the UTME examination. In this article, we will discuss the novels used in previous years, the novel for 2021, and the benefits of using the novel for the UTME.
2. Overview of JAMB
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian government agency responsible for conducting entrance examinations into Nigerian universities. It was established in 1978 and is based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It is the only body mandated by the Federal Government to conduct the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Direct Entry (DE) examinations.
JAMB is responsible for setting the syllabus, determining the examination date, and issuing the results of the UTME. It also administers the Post-UTME and other admission-related activities. The board is also responsible for the accreditation of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and for the admission of students into these institutions.
The board has recently introduced the use of English novels for the UTME. This is aimed at testing the students’ comprehension skills and ability to interpret literature. The novel is used as a tool to measure the students’ understanding of the English language and its usage. The novel is also used to assess the students’ ability to think critically, analyze and interpret a text.
The novel is selected by the board and is made available to all students who wish to take the UTME. The board also provides a list of recommended books for the UTME which students can use to prepare for the examination.
The board also provides guidance and support to students who are preparing for the UTME. It provides information and resources on the syllabus, the examination date, and other important details. It also offers advice on how to prepare for the UTME and how to study effectively.
The board also provides counseling services to students who are having difficulty understanding the material or who are having trouble preparing for the examination. The board also provides information on the best universities in Nigeria and the admission process.
Overall, the board is responsible for ensuring that the UTME is conducted in a fair and objective manner and that the results of the examination are accurate and reliable. It is also responsible for promoting the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.
3. Novels Used in Previous Years
In the past, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has required students to read a set novel prior to taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This novel is typically chosen to be of educational and cultural significance, allowing students to gain insight into the Nigerian culture and history.
In recent years, JAMB has chosen a selection of novels that have been both educational and entertaining. In 2020, the novel chosen was “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This novel tells the story of two sisters and the civil war that took place in Nigeria in the 1960s. It is an important novel that highlights the struggles of the Nigerian people during this time.
In 2019, JAMB chose “The Fishermen” by Chigozie Obioma as the novel for their UTME. This novel tells the story of four brothers who go out fishing one day and come across a mysterious man who predicts a terrible fate for one of them. The novel is a gripping tale of superstition, faith, and the power of fate.
In 2018, JAMB chose “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives” by Lola Shoneyin as the novel for their UTME. This novel tells the story of Baba Segi and his four wives, who each have their own secrets and desires. It is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel that provides insight into the complexities of life in Nigeria.
In 2017, JAMB chose “Sozaboy: A Novel in Rotten English” by Ken Saro-Wiwa as the novel for their UTME. This novel tells the story of Sozaboy, a young man who is drafted into the Nigerian army during the civil war. It is a powerful novel that sheds light on the struggles of those affected by the war.
In 2016, JAMB chose “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe as the novel for their UTME. This novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud and ambitious man who struggles to maintain his status in his village. It is an important novel that provides insight into the culture and traditions of pre-colonial Nigeria.
Overall, JAMB has chosen a selection of novels that have been both educational and entertaining. These novels provide students with an opportunity to gain insight into the Nigerian culture and history, as well as to develop their reading and critical thinking skills.
4. Novel for 2021
This year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has chosen the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe as the novel to be studied by candidates who wish to take the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Things Fall Apart is a classic novel that has been widely read and studied around the world. It is set in the late 19th century in Nigeria and follows the life of Okonkwo, a proud and ambitious Igbo man who is determined to make a name for himself and his family. The novel chronicles Okonkwo’s struggles with the changing society around him, and explores the effects of colonialism on traditional African cultures and values.
The novel has been praised for its vivid descriptions and its ability to capture the complexity of the Igbo culture and its people. It has also been praised for its insight into the effects of colonialism and its ability to show how traditional African cultures and values can be affected by the introduction of foreign influences.
Things Fall Apart is an important novel for JAMB candidates to study as it provides a unique insight into the history and culture of Nigeria and its people. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional cultures and values in the face of changing times.
The novel is also relevant to JAMB candidates as it provides a unique insight into the values and beliefs of the Igbo people and how they interact with the changing world around them. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures and values, and how they can be affected by external forces.
By studying Things Fall Apart, JAMB candidates will gain a greater understanding of the history and culture of Nigeria and its people, as well as a better appreciation of the effects of colonialism on traditional African cultures and values. This understanding will be invaluable to them as they prepare for the UTME and the various challenges they will face in their academic and professional lives.
5. Benefits of Using the Novel
The use of a novel in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination has numerous benefits. Firstly, the novel provides an opportunity for students to read and understand a work of literature. This helps to develop their critical thinking skills and encourages them to think beyond the surface of the text. It also allows students to explore different perspectives and interpretations of a story.
The use of a novel in the JAMB examination also helps to improve students’ writing skills. By reading a novel, students are exposed to different literary styles and techniques. This can help them to identify and use the appropriate writing style for their essay. Furthermore, students can use the novel as a reference for their essay, allowing them to draw on the themes and ideas presented in the text.
The novel also provides an opportunity for students to practice their analytical skills. By reading the novel, students can identify the main themes and ideas presented in the text. This can help them to develop their ability to analyse a text and to form their own opinions on the topics discussed.
Finally, the use of a novel in the JAMB examination helps to improve students’ knowledge of literature. By reading the novel, students are exposed to different literary genres and styles. This can help them to understand the different elements of literature, such as plot, characterisation, setting and theme.
In conclusion, the use of a novel in the JAMB examination has numerous benefits. It provides an opportunity for students to read and understand a work of literature, improve their writing skills, practice their analytical skills, and gain a better understanding of literature.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, JAMB is an important Nigerian examination that serves as a gateway to higher education. The use of novels in the past years has been an important component in helping students prepare for the exam. This year, the novel for JAMB 2021 is “The Last Days at Forcados High School” by A.H. Mohammed. This novel provides students with an opportunity to explore themes of identity, friendship, and coming of age, which are highly relevant to the JAMB examination. The novel also provides students with a platform for critical thinking and problem solving, which are essential skills for success in the exam. Finally, the novel provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with Nigerian literature, which is an important part of the JAMB examination. All in all, the novel for JAMB 2021 is a great choice for students as it provides them with an engaging and educational experience.