Introduction: “I Knew It Yesterday!”

It’s a classic classroom scene: A teacher asks a question. A student freezes, frowns, and says, “I knew it yesterday, I swear!” We’ve all been there—when knowledge vanishes into thin air at the worst time. For many students writing the JAMB UTME, the issue isn’t that they didn’t learn the content. It’s that they couldn’t remember it fast enough under pressure.

Truthfully, scoring high in JAMB UTME isn’t just about being smart. It’s about what you remember—and how fast you can recall it. That’s where the real magic of memorisation comes in. With the right techniques and the power of the EdSofta app, students can learn to remember better, faster, and longer.

UTME Subjects Where Memorisation Matters Most

Technically, not all subjects are built the same. While some focus on logical reasoning and problem-solving, others demand intense memory work. As a UTME teacher or centre owner, knowing which subjects lean heavily on recall can shape how you prepare your students.

Art Subjects

• Literature-in-English: Students need to memorise character traits, themes, quotes, and plot points.
• Government: Expect questions on historical dates, constitutions, policies, and leaders.
• CRK / IRK: Success comes from remembering verses, parables, and religious doctrines.

Science Subjects

• Biology: Memorising definitions, biological cycles, and labelled diagrams is crucial.
• Chemistry: Students need to recall periodic elements, chemical equations, and compound names.
• Physics: Formulas, units, and laws must be at their fingertips. There’s no time to think them through in the heat of an exam.

Commercial Subjects

• Accounting: Formulas, rules, and classifications must be stored in memory.
• Commerce: Key terms and concepts must be known by heart.
• Economics: Market theories, graphs, and elasticity formulas need quick mental access.

Let’s dive into proven memorisation strategies that will help JAMB UTME students learn smarter, not harder.

Tip #1 – Make It Stick with Mnemonics and Acronyms

Acronyms are powerful memory tools that help simplify complex topics. Think of PEMDAS for Maths operations or VIBGYOR for the colours of the rainbow. These fun little codes turn bulky information into bite-sized, memorable pieces.

Try This: Have your students create their acronyms. For example, to remember the characteristics of living things: MR NIGER D – Movement, Respiration, Nutrition, etc. When students personalise acronyms, the content sticks better.

Tip #2 – Shorthand for Smart Note-Taking

Long notes are great, but in exams like JAMB UTME, speed matters. Teach your students to use shorthand and symbols:

• “b/c” for because
• “&” for and
• Arrows (→) to show cause and effect

Pro Tip: Encourage students to summarise each topic on one page using shorthand and keywords. This helps them review faster and remember more.

Tip #3 – Songs, Rhymes, and Rhythm

Ever had a song stuck in your head all day? That’s the power of music—and it works for studying too! Turn difficult content into rhymes, raps, or songs.

For example, to remember chemical reactions, use a catchy beat like: “When acid meets a base, it forms salt and water’s trace!”

Encourage students to record themselves singing content and listen during downtime—memory happens even when we’re not paying full attention.

Tip #4 – Group Recaps and Peer Teaching

When students explain what they’ve learned to others, they lock that knowledge in deeper. It’s called the “protégé effect”—teaching others helps you learn faster.

Teacher Tip: Organise 15-minute peer recap sessions at the end of your lessons. Randomly pick students to explain what they’ve learned in class. This also builds confidence and reinforces memory.

Tip #5 – Use the EdSofta App to Gamify Memorisation

Learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the EdSofta app, students can turn boring study sessions into fun, interactive experiences. The platform includes:

• Past UTME questions
• Flashcards
• Timed quizzes
• Gamified challenges for faster recall

Bonus: Teachers and centre owners can track student progress, assign specific topics, and personalise practice based on weak areas. Using EdSofta means students don’t just study hard—they study smart.

Final Thoughts: Help Your Students Learn Fast—and Remember Long

Memorisation is not about cramming. It’s about training the brain to store and recall information efficiently. As a teacher or JAMB centre owner, you have the tools—and the power—to shape how your students learn.

Whether it’s through acronyms, song-based recall, or the EdSofta app, mastering memorisation could be the secret sauce that takes your students from average to outstanding.

Ready to help your students boost their memory game and ace the UTME?

Sign up on EdSofta today and make every lesson unforgettable.