By John Umeh
In a major decision aimed at expanding access to tertiary education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in collaboration with heads of Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, has announced that the minimum cut-off mark for 2025/2026 admissions into universities will be 150. The resolution was reached during the annual policy meeting on admissions, held on Monday in Abuja.
The move marks a significant shift from past years, where cut-off marks varied across institutions, often ranging from 160 to 200 and above. This time, a unified minimum score of 150 has been agreed upon as the baseline for all universities, while polytechnics and colleges of education are expected to maintain slightly lower thresholds based on institutional discretion.
Broadening Access to Higher Education
According to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the decision to peg the cut-off mark at 150 was driven by the need to increase enrollment and accommodate a larger percentage of candidates who scored above average in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“We are not lowering standards. We are broadening opportunities,” Oloyede said. “Universities still have the autonomy to set higher cut-off marks, but no institution is permitted to go below the agreed national minimum.”
This means while 150 serves as the entry threshold, highly competitive universities and courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering may still require much higher scores for admission consideration. Institutions are encouraged to use a combination of UTME scores, post-UTME screening, and O’level results in their final selection process.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The announcement has triggered mixed reactions across the country. While many students and parents have welcomed the move as a relief that could enable more students to gain university admission, some education experts warn that quality must not be sacrificed for quantity.
“I see this as a positive step toward inclusivity,” said Mrs. Oluchi Akande, a school administrator in Enugu. “Thousands of students score between 150 and 180 every year and are denied admission, even though many of them could perform well if given the chance.”
However, critics argue that lowering the national benchmark may send the wrong message about academic standards. They have called on universities to uphold rigorous internal screening and selection processes to ensure only qualified students are admitted.
Institutional Autonomy Still Intact
Despite the standardized cut-off, universities retain the right to raise their own internal requirements. The University of Lagos (UNILAG), for instance, has traditionally required 200 and above for most of its programs, and is expected to maintain a similar stance despite the JAMB recommendation.
JAMB also emphasized that institutions must publish their post-UTME schedules and admission criteria transparently and in line with the timelines set during the policy meeting. This is part of the board’s broader effort to eliminate irregular admissions, ensure fairness, and protect candidates from exploitation.
Looking Ahead
With over 1.9 million candidates sitting for the 2025 UTME, the decision to set the cut-off mark at 150 is expected to improve access to higher education and reduce the number of admission seekers left behind annually. JAMB has also vowed to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with the agreed cut-off and to penalize institutions that violate admission guidelines.
As the 2025/2026 admission season officially kicks off, hopeful candidates are urged to stay updated through their institution portals and adhere strictly to the next phases of the admission process, including post-UTME screenings and document verifications.
This year’s policy marks not only a numeric shift but also a symbolic step toward inclusion and flexibility in Nigeria’s evolving education landscape.
