JAMB Computer Studies past questions and answers

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 15 October 2026

JAMB Computer Studies: 50 past questions from the 2024 paper, each with the answer and an explanation. In the UTME you answer 40 Computer Studies questions, with Use of English and two other subjects, in 2 hours. Here are ten.

1. 1.

   Which database organization uses parent-child relationships to organize data in a tree-like structure?
   
   

   1. A
      Relational model
   2. B
      Network model
   3. C
      Hierarchical model
      Correct
   4. D
      Object-oriented model
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   The hierarchical database model organises data in a tree-like structure where each record (child) has exactly one parent, and a parent can have many children.

   • This mirrors an organisational chart or a file-system directory tree.
   • The network model extends this by allowing a child to have multiple parents.
   • The relational model uses tables linked by keys and is the most widely used today.
2. 2.

   What does the term "formula" refer to in a spreadsheet?
    

   1. A
      A visual chart that displays data in a graphical format
   2. B
      A predefined template used to standardise the layout of a worksheet
   3. C
      A named range of cells used to simplify navigation
   4. D
      An expression that performs calculations on cell values and returns a result
      Correct
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: D

   In a spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel, a formula is an expression entered into a cell that calculates a value based on other cell contents, constants, or functions.

   • Formulas always begin with an equals sign (=), e.g., =A1+B1 or =SUM(A1:A10).
   • They update automatically when the values they reference change.
3. 3.

   What is the main advantage of using hexadecimal over binary?
   
   

   1. A
      The CPU understands hexadecimal natively without any conversion
   2. B
      Hexadecimal supports negative numbers directly while binary does not
   3. C
      Hexadecimal provides a more compact representation of binary values
      Correct
   4. D
      Hexadecimal uses fewer digit symbols than the decimal system
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   The main advantage of hexadecimal (base-16) over binary is compactness:

   • Every single hexadecimal digit represents exactly 4 binary bits (a nibble), so an 8-bit binary number like 11001010 can be written as CA in hex.
   • This makes memory addresses, colour codes, and machine-level values much easier for programmers to read and write.
   • The CPU still works in binary internally; hex is a human-friendly shorthand.
4. 4.

   What is the relationship between a 'record' and a 'file'?
    

   1. A
      A record is a collection of related fields, and a file is a collection of related records
      Correct
   2. B
      A file contains only one record at any given time
   3. C
      A record and a file refer to the same concept in database terminology
   4. D
      A file is a single entry within a larger record
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   In database and file management terminology, data is organised in a hierarchy:

   • A field is a single piece of data (e.g., a student's name).
   • A record is a collection of related fields about one entity (e.g., all details of one student).
   • A file is a collection of related records (e.g., all student records in a school).

   This hierarchy continues upward to a database, which is a collection of related files.

5. 5.

   What is the main purpose of device drivers?
    

   1. A
      To speed up the processing power of the CPU
   2. B
      To act as translators between the operating system and hardware devices
      Correct
   3. C
      To protect the computer from viruses and malware
   4. D
      To manage and optimise internet connection speeds
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   A device driver is specialised software that allows the operating system to communicate with a hardware device.

   • It translates the generic commands of the OS into the specific instructions understood by the hardware (e.g., a printer, graphics card, or keyboard).
   • Without the correct driver installed, the OS cannot use the device.
6. 6.

   Which statement is used to skip the execution of the current iteration and start the next iteration in a loop?
   
   

   1. A
      exit
   2. B
      return
   3. C
      continue
      Correct
   4. D
      break
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   The continue statement causes the program to skip the remaining code in the current iteration of a loop and jump directly to the next iteration.

   • It differs from break, which exits the loop entirely.
   • Example use case: skipping even numbers inside a loop that processes odd numbers only.
7. 7.

   What is the function of the motherboard in a computer system?
   
   

   1. A
      To process all graphics and send the output signal to the display
   2. B
      To connect and allow communication between all components of the computer
      Correct
   3. C
      To regulate and distribute power from the power supply to each component
   4. D
      To store the operating system in permanent read-only memory
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer. Its primary function is to interconnect and facilitate communication between all major hardware components.

   • It houses the CPU socket, RAM slots, expansion slots, and various connectors.
   • It provides the bus pathways over which data travels between the processor, memory, storage devices, and peripheral controllers.
8. 8.

   What are some key components of an ICT system?
   
    

   1. A
      CPU, RAM, ROM, and cache memory only
   2. B
      Hardware, software, data, people, and procedures
      Correct
   3. C
      Monitor, keyboard, speakers, and mouse only
   4. D
      Internet, intranet, extranet, and Wi-Fi
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   A complete ICT system is made up of five key components:

   • Hardware — the physical devices (computers, servers, printers).
   • Software — the programs and operating systems that run on the hardware.
   • Data — the raw facts processed by the system.
   • People — the users, developers, and managers who operate and maintain the system.
   • Procedures — the rules and policies that govern how the system is used.
9. 9.

   Which characteristic of a computer refers to its ability to minimize energy, consumption and resource usage?
   
   

   1. A
      Reliability
   2. B
      Efficiency
      Correct
   3. C
      Versatility
   4. D
      Accuracy
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   Efficiency is the characteristic that describes a computer's ability to minimise energy consumption and resource usage while still completing tasks effectively.

   • An efficient computer does more work per unit of power consumed.
   • Reliability refers to consistent, fault-free operation over time.
   • Accuracy means producing correct results without errors.
   • Versatility means the ability to perform a wide variety of tasks.
10. 10.

    What is the term for an email scam that tries to trick people into giving out personal information?
    
    

    1. A
       Spamming
    2. B
       Hacking
    3. C
       Spoofing
    4. D
       Phishing
       Correct
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer: D

    Phishing is a type of social engineering attack in which cybercriminals send fraudulent emails that appear to come from legitimate organisations in order to trick recipients into revealing personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or login credentials.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

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