After writing JAMB, the next screening text in front of you is the post-UTME. This exam is as important as JAMB, and without a good score in it, you won’t get admission.
Therefore, to perform well, you need to prepare very well and read the necessary textbooks and other materials just like you did with JAMB.
Unlike the JAMB exam, the post-UTME is conducted by each school, and the scope of the questions varies depending on the school.
However, if you read what is expected of you, you will get a high score. If you don’t know what to read, below are the things you should read for your post-UTME.
What can I read for my post-UTME?
To get a good score in your post-UTME, you should read:
1. Your school’s post-UTME past questions and answers
Past questions are one of the most important materials to read because they give you an idea of how the school sets its post-UTME questions.
Schools usually repeat or slightly modify past questions. By studying these questions, you become familiar with the exam pattern and learn how to manage time.
For example, if a university sets 50 questions in 45 minutes, practising past questions will help you know how to work faster.
Statistics show that over 60% of students who score high in post-UTME exams study past questions thoroughly.
2. Read your JAMB syllabus
The JAMB syllabus outlines all the topics you need to cover for each subject.
Since post-UTME usually tests the same subjects as JAMB, reading the syllabus will help you cover the required topics.
Schools rarely go outside these topics because they are standard for admission tests.
For example, if you are writing English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, study all topics listed under these subjects in the JAMB syllabus.
By reading the syllabus, you will avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
3. Read recommended textbooks
Most schools have recommended textbooks for different courses, especially for science and arts subjects.
These books explain concepts in simple ways and give examples that help you understand better.
For example, if you are preparing for Physics, textbooks like “New School Physics” by M.W. Anyakoha cover major topics you need.
Reading from recommended textbooks gives you a deeper understanding than just memorizing facts, plus it helps you prepare well.
4. Read your English Language textbooks (Comprehension and Grammar)
Almost every school have English language questions in its post-UTME.
Focus on comprehension passages, grammar, and vocabulary because these areas test your understanding of English.
Many students fail this part because they do not practice enough. Read newspapers, novels, and comprehension passages to improve your reading speed and understanding.
Practice grammar questions on tenses, concord (subject-verb agreement), and idiomatic expressions.
The more you practice, the better your chances of scoring high.
5. Read books on general knowledge and current affairs
Some schools have general knowledge and current affairs in their post-UTME to test how well-informed you are.
Their questions can cover politics, sports, entertainment, history, and world events.
For example, you might be asked about the capital of a country or the current president of Nigeria.
Reading newspapers, watching news channels, and using apps like “Daily Trust” or “Channels TV” can help you know these things.
6. Read books on basic mathematics and logical reasoning
Mathematics is important for both science and social science students because it improves logical thinking.
Even if your course is not math-based, some schools will add basic math questions to test your problem-solving skills.
Read topics like percentages, ratios, probability, and algebra. Logical reasoning questions involve patterns, puzzles, and sequence completion.
The more you practice, the faster you solve these problems.
A study shows that students who consistently practice 20 math questions daily improve their speed by 40% in three weeks.
7. Read course-specific topics
Each course has its specific subjects that you must study deeply. For example, if you are applying for Medicine, focus more on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
If you are going for Law, study Government, Literature, and English. When you read topics related to your course, you will prepare better for questions the university is likely to ask.
Check your chosen school’s website or ask current students to know the common topics they set.
8. Read online resources and study apps
Online platforms like Myschool.ng, Flashlearners, wiptalk.com and Edustore.ng have free post-UTME preparation materials.
These websites have quizzes, video lessons, and explanations that help you understand difficult topics.
Study apps like “Pass.ng” and “Ulesson” also have personalized questions based on your performance.
Many students use these apps to practice daily. For example, “Pass.ng” reported that over 70% of its users improved their scores after consistent use.
Use these platforms to test yourself regularly.
9. Read time management books
Reading for post-UTME is not just about understanding topics; it is also about managing time.
Many students fail because they know the answers but run out of time. Read time management books and after reading, practice what you have read.
Set timers when practising past questions. For example, if the exam lasts for 1 hour with 50 questions, practice answering 50 questions in 1 hour.
The more you practice with time limits, the better you manage time in the real exam.
10. Read motivational and self-discipline books
Reading motivational books will seem unrelated, but they help you build focus and confidence.
Preparing for post-UTME can be stressful, and many students give up when they feel overwhelmed.
Books on self-discipline, like “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, teach you how to build study habits.
When you feel motivated, you are more likely to study consistently. Even reading short motivational quotes daily will boost your confidence.
Discipline is key because reading without consistency will not give good results.
Lastly, you must understand the exam format for your school.
Before you start reading, you need to know how your chosen school sets its post-UTME questions.
Different universities have different formats, including:
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Most schools, like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), use MCQs covering core JAMB subjects.
- Subject-Based Questions: Some universities stick to JAMB subjects relevant to your course of study.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Universities like the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) usually include current affairs and general knowledge.
- Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning: Schools like Covenant University add reasoning tests.
To know your school’s format, go to their website or ask previous candidates about the exam format.
In addition, you can get the school’s post-UTME past questions to understand the pattern.
If you read the materials we have listed above, you will cover everything you need to score high in your post-UTME.