Educate to Get Sense
11 min read
25 Nov
25Nov


Every year, millions of Nigerian students sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. For many, attending tutorials is the most common method of preparing. But what if you cannot attend tutorials—maybe because of lack of money, tight schedules, distance issues, family responsibility, or personal preference? Does that mean failure?Absolutely not.

Thousands of students pass JAMB every year without stepping into any tutorial centre. Some even score 300+ strictly through smart, disciplined self-study.In this guide, you will learn the exact strategies, study methods, tools, and daily practices that will help you pass JAMB comfortably even if you never attend a single tutorial class.This article is written in simple English, packed with examples, and structured so you can immediately begin applying the tips.


CHAPTER 1: Understanding What JAMB Really Tests

Before learning how to pass JAMB without tutorials, you must understand what JAMB wants from you.Contrary to what many students think, JAMB doesn’t test how “brilliant” you are.

JAMB mainly tests four things:

1. Speed

You have 2 hours to answer 180 questions (now fewer for CBT years).

That means:

  • You must think fast
  • You must read fast
  • You must solve fast
  • You must choose fast

Tutorials don't automatically give you speed—practice does.


2. Accuracy

It’s not enough to be fast; you must be correct.

JAMB questions are structured to confuse students who do not understand the basics.


3. Knowledge of the Syllabus

Every JAMB question comes from the official JAMB syllabus.

If you cover the syllabus at home, you can score higher than someone who attends tutorials.


4. Familiarity With Past Questions

60–85% of JAMB questions are repeated or restructured past questions.

This is why some students score 250+ without attending any lesson—they simply master the past questions.


Understanding this makes everything easier:

You do not need tutorials. You need smart preparation.


CHAPTER 2: Why You Can Pass JAMB Without Tutorials

Here are reasons why many students actually perform better WITHOUT attending lesson centers:

1. Tutorials Teach Everyone at the Same Pace

Some go too fast, some go too slow.

Studying at home lets you learn at your own pace.


2. Tutorials Waste Time

You spend:

  • Time going to the center
  • Time waiting for the tutor
  • Time listening to irrelevant explanations
  • Time gist-ing with classmates

At home, every minute counts.


3. Tutorials Are Not Magic

No tutorial center can prepare you better than:

  • JAMB syllabus
  • JAMB recommended textbooks
  • JAMB past questions

These three alone can give you 250+ if you use them well.


4. Tutorials Are Expensive

If you cannot afford them, that doesn't mean you should fail.

Many students who read on their own do far better than those paying ₦30,000–₦60,000 for tutorials.


CHAPTER 3: The Tools You Need to Pass JAMB Without Tutorials

To study effectively at home, you need a few essential materials:

1. JAMB Syllabus

This is your roadmap—the list of topics questions will come from.


2. JAMB Recommended Textbooks

These are the books used in setting the exam. If you master them, you’ve mastered the exam.


3. JAMB Past Questions (10–15 years)

This is your most powerful tool. Past questions show:

  • Repeated patterns
  • Frequently asked topics
  • Question difficulty
  • How JAMB sets questions

4. A Study Notebook

This is useful for:

  • Summaries
  • Key points
  • Formulas
  • Vocabulary
  • Diagrams

Writing helps memory.


5. A Quiet Reading Environment

Reading requires:

  • Silence
  • Focus
  • Discipline
  • No distraction

If your room is noisy, use:

  • Library
  • Church premises during the week
  • Under a tree
  • A friend's quiet house

6. A Smartphone (Optional but Powerful)

Use it for:

  • JAMB CBT apps
  • Educational YouTube videos
  • Online notes
  • Dictionary
  • Timers (for exam practice)

7. Self-Discipline

This is the most important.

You won’t have tutorial masters shouting "Read your book!"

You must motivate yourself.


CHAPTER 4: How to Create a Powerful JAMB Study Plan (Self-Study Version)

If you want to pass JAMB without tutorials, you must have a personal timetable.Here’s how to create one:


1. Divide Your Subjects by Difficulty

Rank your subjects:

  • Most difficult
  • Moderately difficult
  • Easiest

Give more time to the most difficult.


2. Read 2–3 Subjects Per Day

Example:| Morning | Biology

| Afternoon | English

| Night | ChemistryNever read all four subjects in one sitting—you will get tired.


3. Include Past Questions Daily

Every day, answer at least 30–50 PQs.This increases:

  • Speed
  • Confidence
  • Familiarity with JAMB patterns

4. Use the 40–20–40 Study Formula

  • 40 minutes reading
  • 20 minutes break
  • 40 minutes revision

This method helps you remain sharp.


5. Allocate Sundays to Revision Only

Do not learn new topics on Sunday.

Use Sundays to revise everything you studied from Monday to Saturday.


CHAPTER 5: How to Read Effectively (Smart Reading Techniques)

Most students fail JAMB not because they didn’t read—but because they didn’t read the right way.Here is how to read effectively without tutorials:


1. Don’t Jump Topics

Go topic by topic using the JAMB syllabus.


2. Focus on Understanding, Not Cramming

Cramming fades quickly.

Understanding stays longer.


3. Explain Concepts to Yourself

Pretend you are teaching someone else.

If you can explain it, you know it.


4. Use the “Feynman Technique”

Steps:

  1. Learn a topic
  2. Close your book
  3. Explain it in your own words
  4. Check what you missed

This technique helps you master difficult subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Literature.


5. Write Your Own Short Notes

Short notes help you during revision.

Summaries also improve memory.


6. Use Audio Learning

Record yourself reading important notes.

Play them while walking, cooking, or resting.


7. Use YouTube Wisely

Channels like:

  • Simplified Chemistry
  • Tyler DeWitt
  • Khan Academy
  • African Tutor
  • JAMB CBT online videos

These act as free tutorials.


8. Practice CBT Apps

Install JAMB CBT apps such as:

  • Myschool CBT
  • Flashlearners CBT
  • Pass.ng

These apps simulate the real JAMB environment.


CHAPTER 6: Subject-by-Subject Tips to Pass JAMB Without Tutorials

1. Use of English

JAMB tests:

  • Comprehension
  • Lexis and structure
  • Register
  • Oral English

Tips:

  • Read novels
  • Practice comprehension daily
  • Study common vocabulary
  • Learn phrasal verbs
  • Revise past questions thoroughly

2. Mathematics

Math requires:

  • Practice
  • Solving, not reading

Tips:

  • Solve 20–30 math questions daily
  • Master formulas
  • Understand basic principles
  • Focus on repeated question types

3. Biology

Easiest science subject if you:

  • Read diagrams
  • Memorize processes
  • Understand definitions

4. Chemistry

Focus on:

  • Organic chemistry
  • Calculations
  • Periodic table
  • Acids, bases, salts

Practice past questions heavily.


5. Physics

Physics becomes easy if you:

  • Understand the formulas
  • Practice calculations
  • Study diagrams

6. Literature-in-English

Focus on:

  • Summary of the recommended texts
  • Themes and characters
  • Literary devices

CHAPTER 7: How to Use JAMB Past Questions Effectively

Most students misuse past questions.

Here is the correct method:

Step 1: Study a topic

Step 2: Answer past questions for ONLY that topic

Step 3: Check your answers

Step 4: Note your mistakes

Step 5: Study again

Repeat this process until your score is above 80%.


CHAPTER 8: How to Increase Speed for CBT

You need both speed and accuracy.

1. Use a timer

Set 2 hours (or 40–60 mins for one subject).

Practice within that time.


2. Start with easy questions

Skip difficult ones at first.

Answer them later.


3. Avoid spending more than 45 seconds on a question


4. Train your eyes to pick the answer quickly

Scan, don’t read word-for-word.


CHAPTER 9: How to Stay Motivated Without Tutorials

Self-study can be lonely.

Here is how to stay motivated:

✔ Create a vision board

Write your course and university where you’ll see it daily.

✔ Reward yourself

After each week of consistent reading.

✔ Join serious WhatsApp or Facebook groups

Avoid unserious ones.

✔ Track your progress

Create a checklist of topics covered.


CHAPTER 10: Avoid These JAMB Mistakes If You Study Alone

❌ Reading without the syllabus

❌ Avoiding past questions

❌ Over-reading without resting

❌ Studying at night only

❌ Studying in a noisy environment

❌ Reading social media comments as “study materials”

❌ Waiting until exam is near before studying

Avoid these mistakes and you’ll do far better than many tutorial students.


CHAPTER 11: A Sample Daily Study Timetable (Without Tutorials)

Here is a sample timetable:

Morning (8am – 10am)

Chemistry – New topic

Afternoon (2pm – 4pm)

Use of English – Comprehension practice

Evening (7pm – 9pm)

Physics – Past questions

Night (Optional)

Revision of notesRepeat daily.


CHAPTER 12: Exam-Day Strategies to Boost Your Score

✔ Arrive early

✔ Pray or meditate

✔ Avoid talking to panicking students

✔ Start with your best subject

✔ Skip difficult questions

✔ Check your answers twice

✔ Submit confidently


Here is another 7 Secrets of Students Who Always Pass Their Exams — Which One Will YOU Improve This Year?

Success in exams is not a mystery. It is not magic. It is not even about being the smartest person in the class. It is a product of habitsdiscipline, and consistent strategies that separate high-performing students from those who struggle.When you look closely at students who always pass their exams—those who consistently score A’s, those who write exams with confidence, those who never panic during tests—you’ll discover something important:👉 They don’t wait for exam month to start preparing.

👉 They don’t depend on luck.👉 They don’t rely on last-minute miracles. Instead, they follow proven habits that help them understand more, remember better, and perform boldly in any exam.In this guide, you’ll learn the 7 powerful secrets successful students use—and most importantly, you’ll see how YOU can start using them immediately. At the end, I’ll ask you one important question: Which one will YOU improve this year?Let’s dive deep.


SECRET 1 — They Read Early

Students who always pass understand a simple truth:

Early preparation removes pressure. Late preparation creates panic.

Reading early is the number one habit that separates A-students from average students. When you start reading early:

✅ You understand better

Your mind is relaxed, your brain absorbs information naturally, and you remember things for longer.

✅ You avoid being overwhelmed

Instead of rushing through 10 chapters in one week, you cover your syllabus slowly and confidently.

✅ You build confidence

Walking into an exam hall becomes easy because you’ve already seen the information multiple times.

Why many students fail to read early

Most students delay reading because:

  • They wait for “motivation”
  • They underestimate the amount of time needed
  • They believe they can cram later
  • They are distracted by social media
  • They think exams are still far away

But early readers don’t wait for perfect conditions. They create simple routines:

How to start reading early this year

  • Read lightly for 30 minutes daily
  • Start each new topic the same week your teacher introduces it
  • Don’t allow notes to pile up
  • Create a simple reading timetable
  • Track your progress weekly

If you build the early-reading habit—even just a little—you’ll see massive improvement in your exam performance.


SECRET 2 — They Solve Past Questions

If you study without solving past questions, you are like a footballer training without ever practicing with the ball.Past questions are powerful because they help you:

⭐ Understand exam patterns

Exams repeat styles, ideas, and sometimes exact questions.

⭐ Know what the examiner expects

You learn the level of depth, the type of answers, and how marks are awarded.

⭐ Practice under exam conditions

Solving timed questions improves your speed, accuracy, and confidence.

⭐ Identify your weak areas

You can quickly see what topics you understand and what you need to revise again.Most students just read and underline. But reading alone doesn’t prepare you for real exam pressure.

How to use past questions correctly

  • Don’t just copy answers; practice sincerely
  • Time yourself: “I’ll finish this section in 25 minutes”
  • After solving, compare your answers with the marking guide
  • Note the repeated questions
  • Work through the last 5–10 years of exam papers

The more past questions you solve, the more exam-ready you become.


SECRET 3 — They Don’t Cram

Cramming is one of the fastest ways to fail an exam.Yes—you might remember information for a few hours.But once stress sets in… once the exam hall becomes cold… once the invigilator says “start writing”…💥 The information disappears.💥 Your mind goes blank.💥 You begin to panic.Students who pass don’t depend on cramming. Instead, they use understanding, active recall, and practice.

Why cramming fails

  • It overloads your short-term memory
  • It collapses under exam pressure
  • You cannot apply crammed information to new questions
  • You forget everything after the exam

Meanwhile, successful students use these methods:

How to understand instead of cram

  • Break topics into smaller parts
  • Ask yourself: “Why?” “How?” “What does this mean?”
  • Explain the topic to someone else
  • Teach an imaginary class
  • Create flashcards for key points
  • Summarize each topic in your own words

Understanding is stronger than memorizing.Understanding lasts longer.Understanding gives confidence.Understanding leads to success.


SECRET 4 — They Revise Regularly

Revision is the glue that makes everything stick.Reading without revision is like cooking without tasting the food—you don’t know if anything is missing.The students who pass are not those who read once.They are those who read, review, and revise repeatedly.

Why revision is powerful

  • It strengthens memory
  • It prevents forgetting
  • It deepens understanding
  • It exposes areas you have misunderstood
  • It connects different topics together

How to revise effectively

  • Do weekly revision
  • Do monthly revision
  • Create short notes for quick review
  • Use mind maps
  • Use past questions as revision tools
  • Highlight important formulas and definitions

Effective revision transforms your reading from “I think I know this” to “I KNOW this confidently.”


SECRET 5 — They Stay Focused

Focus is the new superpower.In today’s world, distractions are everywhere—TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Netflix, games, music, friends, parties, and more.Most students don’t fail because they are not intelligent.They fail because they cannot stay focused long enough to learn deeply.Students who always pass do something different:

They train their mind to avoid jumping from one distraction to another.

They create:

  • Quiet reading environments
  • Specific reading hours
  • No-phone zones
  • Focused study sessions

Even 45 minutes of pure concentration is worth more than 3 hours of distracted reading.

Tools for better focus

  • Turn off notifications
  • Use flight mode while reading
  • Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes reading, 5 minutes rest)
  • Study during your peak hours (morning or night)
  • Avoid multitasking

The more focused you are, the faster you understand.


SECRET 6 — They Avoid Distractions

Distractions don’t just waste time—they destroy your flow and break your concentration.The students who perform better are those who know how to control their environment.They avoid:

  • Too much noise
  • Unnecessary social media
  • Excessive chatting
  • TV and movies during study periods
  • Scrolling endlessly on the internet
  • Reading with the wrong friends

How distractions affect learning

  • They reduce retention
  • They increase stress
  • They make reading longer
  • They create mental fatigue
  • They weaken understanding

How to avoid distractions this year

  • Create a dedicated reading spot
  • Remove your phone from the room
  • Set clear study hours
  • Tell friends when you are unavailable
  • Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
  • Keep your study table clean

When you control your environment, your brain becomes sharper and more productive.


SECRET 7 — They Ask Questions Often

Asking questions is one of the simplest but most powerful habits.Students who pass don’t hide their confusion.They don’t pretend to understand.They don’t wait for the exam to expose their weaknesses.They ask questions like:

  • “Please, I don’t understand this step—can you explain?”
  • “Why is the answer B and not C?”
  • “What is the difference between these two formulas?”
  • “How do I solve this kind of problem?”
  • “Can you give another example?”

Benefits of asking questions

  • It deepens your understanding
  • It exposes hidden mistakes
  • It clarifies difficult topics
  • It saves you from repeating errors
  • It increases your confidence

Where to ask questions

  • In class
  • After class
  • In study groups
  • Online forums
  • From teachers
  • From senior students
  • From textbooks and explanations

Remember:

Asking a question does not make you look dull. It makes you look serious.

Successful students ask more questions than anyone else.


Conclusion — Which Secret Will YOU Improve This Year?

You now know the 7 powerful secrets of students who always pass their exams:

  1. They read early
  2. They solve past questions
  3. They don’t cram
  4. They revise regularly
  5. They stay focused
  6. They avoid distractions
  7. They ask questions often

These habits work for:

  • JAMB
  • WAEC
  • NECO
  • Post-UTME
  • Nursing exams
  • University exams
  • Professional exams
  • Any test you will ever write

But the most important question is:

Which one do YOU want to improve this year?

👉 Reading early?👉 Solving past questions?👉 Reducing distractions?👉 Staying focused?👉 Asking more questions?👉 Doing more revision?👉 Understanding instead of cramming?Tell me the one you want to improve and I’ll help you build a simple plan to achieve it.


CONCLUSION: You Can Pass JAMB Without Tutorials — If You Follow the Right Strategies

Passing JAMB without attending lessons is not only possible—it is common.

With:

  • The syllabus
  • Past questions
  • Recommended textbooks
  • A disciplined timetable
  • A calm mind

You can score 250, 280, or even 300+.Remember:

Tutorials don’t pass students — discipline does.
Consistency does.
Smart preparation does. 
If you apply everything in this guide, YOU WILL PASS JAMB.

Comments
* The email will not be published on the website.