Why Science Students Struggle with JAMB’s Heavy Calculations
JAMB’s science stream demands extensive calculations across all subjects—Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. From 3×3 matrix multiplication to integration by parts, each problem can take minutes and small errors force a restart. No matter how bright, students must work through complex steps. Physics adds over 100 formulae plus unit conversions and nested equations. Missing a single trigonometric or logarithmic value means skipping questions that cost vital marks. I’ve seen a candidate miss out on medicine by losing 10 marks to surds and decimals. Art subjects, by contrast, often require more recall and interpretation rather than lengthy calculations. This difference makes it unfair to compare science and art candidates in JAMB or any exam. Both streams require hard work, but the processes differ significantly. What are your thoughts? Is it time we recognize the unique challenges of each subject group?
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