The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved a new national cut-off mark for the 2025/2026 admission cycle into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education. This announcement follows the annual Policy Meeting on Admissions, which was held on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Abuja.
While the exact figures have not yet been officially published, reliable sources from within the board have confirmed that the new minimum score has been decided and will be made public in the coming days.
New Admission Policy – What Has Changed?
The 2025 Admission Policy Meeting brought together Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and other top stakeholders from federal, state, and private institutions across Nigeria. The key agenda was to assess national performance trends and agree on a uniform benchmark that all institutions must adhere to when considering candidates for admission.
Although each institution retains the freedom to set their own departmental cut-off marks above the national minimum, no school is allowed to admit candidates below the benchmark approved by JAMB.
Previous Year’s Cut-Off Marks for Reference
To provide some context, here were the national minimum cut-off marks set for the 2024/2025 session:
- Universities: 140 and above
- Polytechnics and Colleges of Education: 100 and above
Given the rising number of UTME candidates and the evolving capacity of tertiary institutions, it is anticipated that the 2025 thresholds will reflect slight adjustments—either maintaining previous levels or adapting to this year’s general performance statistics.
When Will JAMB Release the Official Figures?
JAMB is expected to publish the full list of cut-off marks, admission guidelines, and institution-specific requirements before the commencement of the 2025 UTME, scheduled to begin on April 25, 2025. This timeline ensures that both candidates and admission officers are adequately informed before the exam and subsequent admission processing.
Why the Cut-Off Mark Matters
The national cut-off mark is more than just a number. It determines a student’s eligibility to be considered for admission into their chosen institution. Even if a candidate meets the school’s internal criteria, falling below JAMB’s minimum benchmark will disqualify them from being admitted.
For this reason, all 2025 UTME candidates are strongly advised to:
- Monitor JAMB’s official channels for updates.
- Understand their preferred institution’s internal admission standards.
- Prepare intensively for the upcoming UTME to exceed the new cut-off mark.
More Opportunities for JAMB 2025 Candidates
Students aiming for admission this year should also explore other academic and financial opportunities, including:
- Study abroad scholarships open to Nigerian students post-JAMB.
- Fully funded scholarships available for candidates with strong academic profiles.
- Exchange programmes and international partnerships offered by Nigerian universities in collaboration with global institutions.
Stay Informed and Stay Ahead
As admission season draws near, staying updated is critical. Bookmark the JAMB portal, follow credible education blogs, and remain proactive about checking your status once results are out. The official cut-off mark announcement could determine your next steps.
Keep preparing and keep your options open—this might be the year your academic journey takes a major leap forward.
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