Both the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) and the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programmes are generally considered moderately challenging, but they are both highly achievable for students who are focused, consistent, and serious about their studies.
They are often viewed as more structured and less unpredictable than JAMB UTME, especially because they focus on only a few relevant subjects tied directly to a student’s chosen course.
Level of Difficulty (IJMB and JUPEB)
Neither IJMB nor JUPEB is extremely difficult, but both require commitment and discipline over a period of study (usually about 9–12 months).
- Students study only three core subjects related to their course
- Learning is continuous through lectures, assignments, and tests
- Success depends on understanding concepts deeply, not memorization
- Consistent reading throughout the programme is very important
With proper preparation, many students successfully complete both programmes every year.
Success Rate and Performance
Both IJMB and JUPEB have a relatively good success rate, especially among students who attend classes regularly and take their studies seriously.
Most failures are usually due to:
- Poor attendance
- Lack of seriousness
- Inconsistent reading habits
- Weak preparation for final examinations
This shows that success depends more on effort and discipline than intelligence alone.
Why IJMB and JUPEB Are Considered Manageable
1. Focused Subject Combination
Students concentrate on only three subjects related to their intended course, making learning more targeted and easier to manage.
2. Continuous Assessment System
Unlike JAMB, both programmes involve:
- Regular lectures
- Assignments
- Tests and internal assessments
- Final examinations
This reduces pressure and helps students understand topics gradually.
3. Direct Entry Advantage
Successful candidates gain admission into 200 level in Nigerian universities, skipping 100 level entirely. This makes both programmes a strong alternative to JAMB.
Main Challenges of IJMB and JUPEB
The main difficulties in both programmes are not the structure, but:
- The depth of understanding required in each subject
- The need for consistent academic performance over time
- The requirement to achieve high scores for competitive courses
Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering require especially high grades and strong performance.
Conclusion
Both IJMB and JUPEB are best described as moderately difficult but highly achievable programmes. They are more focused than secondary school exams and more stable than JAMB, but they still require dedication and consistent effort.
Students who take their studies seriously throughout the programme usually perform well and gain Direct Entry admission into 200 level in Nigerian universities, making both pathways a reliable alternative to JAMB UTME.