JAMB Sets 150 as Minimum Cut-Off Mark for University Admissions for 2025/2026 Academic Session
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially set the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session at 150. This decision was reached during the annual Policy Meeting on Admissions, held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting, chaired by JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, brought together key stakeholders in the education sector, including vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and representatives from the Ministry of Education, to deliberate on admission guidelines and policies for the upcoming academic year.
Key Details of the 2025/2026 Admission Cut-Off Marks
In addition to the university cut-off mark, JAMB announced that the minimum cut-off for polytechnics and colleges of education has been pegged at 100, while colleges of nursing sciences will require a minimum score of 140. These benchmarks serve as the baseline scores for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
However, JAMB emphasized that these cut-off marks are minimum thresholds, and individual institutions retain the autonomy to set higher cut-off marks for specific courses or programs. Highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy often have cut-off marks significantly above the national minimum, depending on the institution’s capacity, candidate performance, and available admission slots.
Implications for Candidates
The cut-off mark of 150 for universities implies that candidates who scored below this threshold in the 2025 UTME will not be eligible for admission into any Nigerian university, unless they explore alternative pathways such as diploma programs or other institutions with lower cut-off requirements. For polytechnics and colleges of education, candidates scoring 100 and above can apply, while those targeting nursing programs must meet the 140 mark.
JAMB’s decision to maintain a relatively low cut-off for universities reflects an effort to ensure inclusivity and provide opportunities for a broader range of candidates to access tertiary education. However, Prof. Oloyede cautioned that meeting the minimum cut-off does not guarantee admission, as candidates must also fulfill other requirements, including Post-UTME screenings, O’level result criteria, and specific departmental cut-off marks set by institutions.
Institutional Autonomy and Departmental Cut-Offs
While JAMB sets the national minimum cut-off, universities are free to determine higher cut-off marks for their programs. For instance, top-tier institutions like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) often set cut-off marks above 200 for competitive courses. Candidates are advised to check the official websites or admission portals of their chosen institutions for detailed information on departmental cut-off marks, Post-UTME requirements, and other admission criteria.
Additional Guidelines from the Policy Meeting
During the meeting, JAMB reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent and merit-based admission process. The board highlighted the importance of adhering to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which streamlines the admission process and ensures compliance with JAMB’s guidelines. Institutions were urged to upload their admission criteria and cut-off marks promptly to avoid confusion among candidates.
The meeting also addressed issues such as illegal admissions, urging institutions to desist “‘admission racketeering’ and other practices that undermine the integrity of the admission process. JAMB warned that any institution found guilty of conducting admissions outside CAPS would face sanctions.
Advice for Candidates
Candidates who participated in the 2025 UTME are encouraged to:
- Check their UTME scores: Ensure your score meets or exceeds the minimum cut-off for your desired institution or program.
- Prepare for Post-UTME: Many universities conduct Post-UTME screenings, which contribute significantly to the final admission decision. Candidates should stay updated on their institution’s screening schedule and requirements.
- Verify O’level requirements: Most institutions require at least five credits in relevant O’level subjects, including Mathematics and English, taken in not more than two sittings.
- Monitor admission portals: Regularly check JAMB’s CAPS portal and the official websites of your chosen institutions for updates on admission lists and requirements.
Reactions and Expectations
The announcement of the 150 cut-off mark for universities has sparked mixed reactions. Some stakeholders commend JAMB for maintaining a relatively low threshold to accommodate more candidates, especially those from educationally disadvantaged regions. Others argue that the cut-off is too low for highly competitive courses and may lead to overcrowding in some institutions.
Education analysts suggest that candidates who fall slightly below their desired program’s cut-off should consider alternative courses or institutions with lower requirements, such as polytechnics or colleges of education, to maximize their chances of securing admission.
Conclusion
The setting of 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for university admissions in the 2025/2026 academic session reflects JAMB’s ongoing efforts to balance accessibility with quality in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. As the admission process unfolds, candidates are urged to stay proactive, verify their eligibility, and adhere to institutional guidelines to secure their place in their preferred programs. For further details, candidates can visit JAMB’s official website (www.jamb.gov.ng) or contact their chosen institutions for specific admission requirements.
This decision marks a significant step in shaping the 2025/2026 academic year, and all eyes will be on how institutions implement these guidelines to ensure a fair and efficient admission process.
