The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are important examinations that students in Nigeria take in order to gain admission into higher education institutions. 

However, many students struggle with these exams and end up failing or getting low marks.

There are several reasons for this, which we will discuss in detail below.

1. Lack of proper preparation: One of the main reasons students fail these exams is lack of proper preparation.

Many students underestimate the difficulty of the exams and do not study effectively or enough. This can lead to poor results on exam day.

2. Poor time management: Time management is crucial when it comes to JAMB and UTME exams.

Students are required to answer a large number of questions in a limited amount of time, and those who struggle with time management may not be able to complete the exam or may rush through questions, leading to mistakes and lower marks.

3. Lack of exam strategy: Another reason students struggle with these exams is lack of exam strategy. JAMB and UTME exams are not just about knowing the material, but also about knowing how to approach and answer the questions.

Students who do not develop a strategic approach to the exams may find themselves struggling on exam day.

4. Test anxiety: Test anxiety is a common issue that many students face when taking important exams like JAMB and UTME.

This can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and physical symptoms like sweating and rapid heartbeat, all of which can impact exam performance.

5. Poor understanding of exam format: Students who do not fully understand the format of the JAMB and UTME exams may struggle with answering the questions effectively.

These examinations have specific question types and formats that students need to be familiar with in order to perform well.

6. Lack of motivation: Some students may lack motivation to study for the JAMB and UTME exams, which can lead to poor preparation and ultimately, low marks or failure.

There are several common reasons why students fail or get low marks in JAMB and UTME exams. These include lack of proper preparation, poor time management, lack of exam strategy, test anxiety, poor understanding of exam format, and lack of motivation.

By addressing these issues and taking proactive steps to improve their study habits and exam skills, students can increase their chances of success on these important exams.