Mary Remmy Njoku Questions the Relevance of JAMB in Nigeria’s Education System
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mary Remmy Njoku has stirred a fresh debate about the necessity of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, questioning its continued relevance in Nigeria’s education system.
Amid growing public outrage following the recent 2025 JAMB UTME glitch that reportedly caused widespread mass failure, Njoku took to Instagram to express her concern. She asked a direct and powerful question: “Why is it necessary to take the JAMB exam to gain admission into universities?”
According to the actress, the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) should be enough to qualify students for university admission. She argued that if a student has passed the SSCE, they have already shown they completed secondary school and should not have to face more hurdles like JAMB and post-UTME.
Recalling her personal experience, Njoku revealed that she repeatedly failed the UTME exam, which delayed her university journey. Despite her academic challenges, she eventually found her path in Nollywood, a career shift she now sees as purposeful.
“Speaking from experience, JAMB almost ‘jammed’ my life. Literally. After sitting for it multiple times with no admission, I thank God for Nollywood,” she wrote. “That detour gave me purpose, but honestly, if you ask me (I know nobody is asking), I truly believe JAMB should be scrapped.”
Njoku also suggested that universities could maintain high standards by requiring more credits—like A’s and B’s—in key subjects from the SSCE. That, she argued, would be a fairer and more straightforward method of evaluating students.
“JAMB? It discourages thousands of bright, capable young people every single year,” she added.
Why is Mary Remmy Njoku against JAMB?
Njoku believes that JAMB creates unnecessary obstacles for students who have already proven their capability through SSCE. She argues that the exam blocks many smart students from advancing in life, not because they are unqualified, but because of a rigid system that does not consider alternative pathways.
Her comments have sparked a conversation across social media, especially among Nigerian youths and education advocates who have long criticized the role of JAMB in limiting access to higher education.
Mary Remmy Njoku’s call to scrap JAMB is not just a personal reflection—it highlights a systemic issue in Nigeria’s education system. Her opinion may reignite debates about reforms and the need for a more inclusive and practical approach to university admissions.
