JAMB Retains 150 Cut-Off Mark for 2026/2027 University Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has retained 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities for the 2026/2027 academic session.

JAMB announced the decision during its policy meeting held in Abuja on Monday, stating that the benchmark was approved following a vote by vice-chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions present at the meeting.

According to the board, the minimum cut-off mark for Colleges of Nursing is also 150, while polytechnics will admit candidates with a minimum score of 100 out of the 400 obtainable marks in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The heads of tertiary institutions in Nigeria unanimously agreed that the National Minimum Tolerable UTME Scores for admissions should remain as follows: 150 for universities, 150 for Colleges of Nursing, and 100 for polytechnics.

These benchmarks indicate that no tertiary institution is permitted to admit candidates who score below the approved minimum scores. 

However, institutions are free to set higher cut-off marks for applicants seeking admission into their programmes.

Last year, the decision to peg the university cut-off mark at 150 generated widespread reactions among Nigerians, with many observers arguing that the benchmark was too low for university admissions.

JAMB also disclosed that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and Agriculture non-engineering courses are now exempted from writing the UTME.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated that the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions remains 16 years.

He said:

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.

“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness. While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole.”

The minister further warned that admissions conducted outside JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) remain illegal and would not be recognised by the government.