The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will on Monday, 11 May, meet with heads of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to determine the National Minimum Tolerable UTME Score (NTMUS), also known as cut-off marks, for the 2026 admission exercise.
The annual JAMB Admission Policy meeting brings together universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—both public and private—to agree on the minimum benchmark for admission into higher institutions across the country.
JAMB prepares for 2026 admission policy meeting with tertiary institutions.
In a statement on Sunday, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin confirmed that the meeting will also feature policy directions from the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
“The meeting is expected to formally set the tone for the 2026/2027 admission exercise while impressing on attendees the need to adhere strictly to stipulated guidelines.”
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted annually as a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Candidates sit for four subjects, with a maximum score of 400.
Different institutions set their own cut-off marks, with some universities fixing as high as 200, while others accept scores as low as 100 or 120 depending on their admission policies.
However, all institutions agree on a national minimum benchmark that candidates must meet before being considered for admission. Decisions are typically reached through voice voting during the policy meeting.
Last year, the national minimum cut-off was pegged at 140 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. The same 140 benchmark was also adopted for Colleges of Nursing across the country.
This means no institution can admit candidates below the approved threshold, although individual schools are allowed to set higher requirements.
🤔 Question Board
Should JAMB maintain a uniform national cut-off point, or allow each institution full independence in setting admission standards?
Cut-off marks reflect a balance between access and academic standards. While a national minimum ensures fairness, institutional flexibility allows universities to maintain competitiveness and quality control.