JAMB Sets 150 as Minimum Cut-Off Mark for University Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admissions into Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.

This decision was reached during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja, where key stakeholders — including vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and representatives from the Ministry of Education — jointly deliberated on the new academic thresholds across institutions.

Cut-Off Summary for 2025/2026 Academic Session:

• Universities: 150

• Polytechnics & Colleges of Education: 100

• Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 140

The cut-off marks serve as guidelines, with individual institutions allowed to set higher benchmarks depending on their internal standards and program competitiveness.

“The goal is to ensure fairness, access, and quality across all levels of higher education,” JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said at the briefing.

 Stakeholders React

The announcement sparked a mix of reactions across the education sector:

🔹 University Representatives:

Many universities, especially federal and top-ranking institutions, are expected to maintain cut-off marks well above 150 for highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Computer Science.

“150 is a minimum benchmark. For many courses, admission will still require 200+,” said Dr. Rahmat Ogunleye, admission officer at the University of Lagos.

🔹 Polytechnics & Colleges of Education:

Stakeholders from these institutions praised the 100-point minimum, saying it will open more doors for students who might otherwise be excluded due to systemic learning disadvantages or financial constraints.

🔹 Nursing Institutions:

With growing demand for healthcare professionals, the 140 cut-off for colleges of nursing reflects efforts to raise professional standards while keeping the field accessible.

 What This Means for Students

For JAMB candidates, this announcement provides clarity and a renewed sense of direction:

• If you scored 150 or above, you may now qualify to apply for admission into a university, depending on the institution’s internal criteria.

• Candidates scoring 100–149 can focus on polytechnics and colleges of education, which offer valuable diploma and NCE programs.

• Prospective nursing students need to target at least 140, although higher scores may be required in competitive colleges.

JAMB also reminded candidates that admission is not solely based on UTME scores. Institutions will factor in post-UTME performance, O’Level results, and program-specific requirements.

 Transparency & Innovation in Admissions

JAMB reiterated its commitment to a transparent and merit-driven admissions process, leveraging its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). This system ensures:

• Candidates are automatically notified of admission offers

• Institutions cannot admit outside of agreed quotas

• Students can accept or reject offers in real time

• Admission is based on merit, catchment, and educationally disadvantaged zones

“Technology is helping us remove backdoor admissions and reward academic effort fairly,” said Prof. Oloyede.

Final Note

With the 2025/2026 academic session drawing closer, students, parents, and institutions now have a clearer roadmap to plan admissions. The decision by JAMB and stakeholders aims to balance access with excellence, ensuring that every Nigerian student has a fair shot at higher education, regardless of background.

“Cut-off marks are not ceilings — they are starting points. Students must stay informed and proactive to succeed.”