As universities across Nigeria begin the sale of Post-UTME forms following the conclusion of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), education experts, lecturers, and medical students are urging admission seekers to look beyond their JAMB scores and prepare for the realities that await them in higher institutions.
For many candidates, particularly those aspiring to study Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), scoring above 300 in JAMB is often regarded as the ultimate achievement. Across social media platforms, successful candidates celebrate impressive scores, while families and communities sometimes begin projecting future professional titles on students even before admission offers arrive.
However, investigations by The Nigeria Education News reveal that while a high UTME score may improve a candidate’s chances of securing admission into highly competitive programmes, it does not automatically translate into academic success at the university level.
Interviews with medical students and academic advisers indicate that the challenges encountered in medical school differ significantly from the examination structure of JAMB. While UTME primarily assesses candidates’ preparedness for tertiary education through objective testing, medical education demands long-term discipline, consistency, resilience, and the ability to absorb vast amounts of complex information over several years.
A senior lecturer in a Nigerian medical college who spoke anonymously explained that students often enter medical school with varying academic backgrounds, but performance after admission is determined largely by work ethic and adaptability rather than entrance examination scores.
According to the lecturer, students who secured admission through supplementary lists or with comparatively lower UTME scores sometimes outperform colleagues who entered with exceptionally high scores. The reason, he noted, is that medical education rewards sustained effort rather than one-time examination performance.
Further findings show that many first-year medical students experience a significant adjustment period as they encounter subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Clinical Medicine. These courses require extensive reading, practical sessions, laboratory work, and frequent assessments that can challenge even the brightest students.
Several medical students interviewed described Anatomy as one of the earliest academic shocks for many freshers. Understanding complex structures such as cranial nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and nerve networks often requires months of study and repeated revision, regardless of a student’s previous academic achievements.
Similarly, students noted that Pharmacology and Pathology present their own unique difficulties. Success in these disciplines depends on mastering large volumes of information and developing strong analytical skills rather than relying on intelligence alone.
An analysis of student experiences across several Nigerian universities suggests that consistency remains one of the strongest predictors of academic performance. Students who establish effective study habits early, attend classes regularly, and maintain steady reading schedules often perform better than those who rely solely on natural ability or previous academic records.
Education consultants also warn candidates against becoming overconfident because of impressive JAMB scores. While a score of 320, 340, or even 370 may secure admission opportunities, it offers little advantage once university examinations begin. At that stage, students are evaluated based on their understanding of course materials, practical competence, and examination performance within their chosen disciplines.
Investigations further reveal that many of the best-performing medical students are not necessarily those who recorded the highest UTME scores. Instead, they are often individuals who demonstrate discipline, effective time management, emotional resilience, and the willingness to study consistently despite academic pressure.
Experts say one of the biggest misconceptions among admission seekers is the belief that gaining admission into Medicine and Surgery represents the most difficult hurdle. In reality, admission is only the beginning of a demanding academic journey that can span six years or more, depending on institutional requirements and professional examinations.
For candidates currently preparing for Post-UTME screenings and admission exercises, the message from educators is clear: focus on securing admission, but also begin developing the habits necessary for long-term success. Strong reading culture, self-discipline, perseverance, and commitment to continuous learning will ultimately matter more than any score printed on a JAMB result slip.
As Nigeria’s universities open their doors to a new generation of students, the findings serve as an important reminder that while JAMB scores may determine who enters the classroom, it is consistency, dedication, and endurance that often determine who succeeds after admission.
