JAMB Retains 150 as University Admission Cut-Off Mark for UTME Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has retained 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities across Nigeria for candidates seeking placement through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The decision was announced during a policy meeting involving stakeholders in the education sector, including vice chancellors, rectors, provosts, and admission officials from tertiary institutions across the country. The meeting focused on admission guidelines and standards for the new academic session.
According to JAMB officials, the approved benchmark means that universities will not admit candidates who scored below 150 in the UTME examination. However, individual institutions still retain the authority to set higher cut-off marks depending on their admission requirements and level of competition.
The board explained that the benchmark was designed to maintain fairness and minimum academic standards while allowing institutions flexibility in managing their admission processes. Polytechnic and college of education cut-off marks are also expected to follow separate approved benchmarks based on institutional categories.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions among students, parents, and education stakeholders. Some candidates welcomed the decision, arguing that it gives more students an opportunity to secure admission into higher institutions despite the competitive nature of the process.
Others, however, expressed concerns that lowering admission standards could affect the quality of education in universities. Education analysts noted that the debate over cut-off marks has remained a recurring issue in Nigeria’s education sector for several years.
JAMB also advised candidates to ensure that their credentials and admission records are properly uploaded on the Central Admission Processing System to avoid complications during admission consideration. Institutions were equally urged to conduct admissions in line with approved procedures and transparency guidelines.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the need for universities and other tertiary institutions to balance accessibility with academic excellence while addressing the growing demand for higher education in Nigeria.
The retention of the 150 benchmark is expected to influence admission strategies across federal, state, and private universities as candidates continue to monitor updates regarding post-UTME screenings and departmental requirements. Many prospective students are now preparing for the next stage of the admission process while awaiting official announcements from their preferred institutions nationwide.
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