Frustration continues to mount among candidates preparing for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as more students are voicing their anger over the basic calculator provided during the JAMB mock exam.
One candidate, Andrew Joel, passionately compared the JAMB calculator to the type used by market women for simple addition and subtraction, describing it as completely unhelpful for science subjects like Physics and Chemistry.
“I concur to Umar’s statement. Please let them improve that calculator to a scientific one. That calculator is like for business women — just to plus and minus, that’s all,” Joel lamented.
Calculator Lacks Essential Functions
Joel’s frustration mirrors the complaints of many other candidates who say the current JAMB calculator is far too basic.
Essential scientific functions that are missing include:
- Square roots (√)
- Logarithms (log)
- Trigonometric ratios (sin, cos, tan)
Without these, students writing technical subjects are left at a disadvantage, often having to guess answers or leave questions unanswered.
Candidates Call for Scientific Calculator Upgrade
Candidates like Joel believe that upgrading the CBT calculator to a basic scientific calculator would:
- Reduce unnecessary guessing
- Save valuable exam time
- Allow fair competition for science, technology, and engineering candidates
They insist that having more calculator functions would not compromise exam security, but would actually make the exam environment more reasonable and fair.
Why It Matters
Failing to provide a proper calculator:
- Puts science students at a huge disadvantage
- Forces unnecessary memorization of complex values
- Increases exam pressure and can lower performance levels
Candidates argue that the system should support real knowledge and proper problem-solving, not punish students for lack of tools.
Final Words
As the main 2025 UTME approaches on April 25, 2025, many candidates are hoping that JAMB will listen and act fast to improve the calculator situation.
For now, candidates are encouraged to continue preparing thoroughly, mastering manual methods where possible, and staying updated through official JAMB announcements.
Have you also struggled with the JAMB calculator during mock or practice sessions? Share your experience below. Stay tuned for more JAMB 2025 verified updates and live exam guidance.