The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the cut-off marks and admission guidelines for the 2026/2027 academic session following the National Policy Meeting held in Abuja on Monday. The new policies are set to impact post-UTME screening, course changes, and admission chances for candidates with lower UTME scores.
National Admission Benchmarks
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, along with vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, finalized the minimum admissible scores for the session. The approved national minimum benchmarks are as follows:
- 150 for universities
- 100 for polytechnics
- 100 for colleges of education
- 150 for colleges of nursing sciences
These scores are national minimums and not automatic admission guarantees. Institutions may adopt higher cut-off marks based on course competitiveness and internal policies but cannot admit candidates below these thresholds.
New Age Requirement
To align with the 6-3-3-4 education system, the Ministry of Education has reaffirmed that the minimum age for tertiary admission is now 18 years. Candidates who are 16 or 17 may have their admission deferred or be deemed ineligible for the current cycle.
JAMB-Free Route for Agriculture and Education
In a major policy shift, candidates seeking admission into Education and Agriculture courses no longer require a UTME score. They can apply directly to institutions using their O-Level results and internal screening. This move aims to boost enrolment in these vital sectors.
Post-UTME and Institutional Independence
JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasized that institutions retain the power to set departmental cut-off marks and post-UTME guidelines. Candidates who meet the national minimum but fall short of specific university requirements are advised to consider changing institutions or courses early, exploring state universities, polytechnics, or alternative pathways like IJMB, JUPEB, or NOUN.
FAQs
1. What is the official JAMB cut-off mark for 2026?
JAMB approved 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 150 for colleges of nursing sciences.
2. What courses can I study with 150 or 160?
Candidates with scores between 150 and 160 may find opportunities in Education, Agriculture, Sociology, Religious Studies, History, Linguistics, Fisheries, Forestry, and Home Economics.
3. Which schools accept lower scores?
Many state universities, private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education may accept scores around 150–180. Candidates should monitor official school portals for updates.
