JAMB Sets New Cut-Off Marks for Tertiary Institutions
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the minimum cut-off marks for admission into various levels of tertiary institutions in the country. This decision comes after a comprehensive review during a recent policy meeting held in Abuja.
University Admission Criteria
For universities, the minimum cut-off mark has been set at 150. This threshold is intended to ensure that only students who meet a certain academic standard are admitted into undergraduate programs. The decision was made following discussions among stakeholders, including representatives from various higher education institutions.
Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
Polytechnics and colleges of education have been assigned a lower entry point of 100. This reflects the different academic requirements and focus areas of these institutions, which often emphasize practical skills and vocational training. The cut-off mark aims to provide more opportunities for students who may not have achieved high scores in their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Special Considerations for Nursing Colleges
Colleges of nursing sciences have a slightly higher entry requirement, with a cut-off mark of 140. This reflects the specialized nature of nursing education, which demands a strong foundation in science subjects. The decision ensures that only those with the necessary academic background can pursue careers in healthcare.
Decision-Making Process
The final decision on the cut-off marks was reached through a voice vote supervised by the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede. The meeting took place on Tuesday during the ongoing policy discussions on admissions. This process involved input from various stakeholders, including heads of tertiary institutions across the country.
Implications for Students
Students preparing for the upcoming academic session should take note of these new thresholds. Those aiming for university admission must ensure they score at least 150 in their UTME. For polytechnic and college of education applicants, a score of 100 will be sufficient, while those interested in nursing programs need to achieve at least 140.
Future Outlook
JAMB has emphasized that these cut-off marks are designed to maintain the quality of education in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The board also plans to conduct regular reviews to ensure that the criteria remain relevant and effective in meeting the needs of both students and institutions.
By setting clear and differentiated admission standards, JAMB aims to promote fairness and accessibility in the higher education system. Students are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for their exams and stay updated on any further announcements from the board.
