JAMB Announces a 140 Cut-off Mark for University Admission, Declares N2,000 Post-UTME Fees

Get an in-depth understanding of JAMB’s new policy setting a 140 cut-off mark for university admissions and a N2,000 post-UTME fee.

A Landmark Decision: The 140 Benchmark for University Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recently unveiled a significant update regarding the admissions process for Nigerian universities.

The board has agreed on a cut-off mark of 140 for the 2023/2024 university admissions, making it a new standard for tertiary education entry.

Freedom with a Limit: Universities’ Individual Cut-off Marks

While the new benchmark has been set, universities maintain the autonomy to decide their individual cut-off marks.

However, they are strictly guided not to admit any candidate with a score below this 140 benchmark, guaranteeing a level of academic performance for all students admitted into Nigerian universities.

A Spectrum of Proposals: Diverse Cut-off Marks Across Universities

This freedom has led to a variety of cut-off marks proposed by universities across the nation.

For instance, the University of Jos and the Federal University of Technology have proposed a cut-off mark of 180, while the University of Ibadan, University of Benin, and University of Lagos have opted for a higher cut-off of 200.

Leading the Pack: Pan-Atlantic University’s Highest Benchmark

Out of all the universities, Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos stands out, proposing the highest benchmark of 220.

This is in stark contrast to about 15 other universities, primarily private institutions, that suggested lowering the benchmark to 120.

However, this move faced rejection in favor of maintaining academic standards.

The Majority’s Voice: Agreeing on a 140 Benchmark

Andrew Adejoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, reaffirmed the consensus on the 140 cut-off mark. He stated, “We have heard the voices of the majority.

Most of the universities have agreed and the decision stands that 140 is the minimum benchmark for university admissions.”

Beyond Universities: Cut-off Scores for Polytechnics and Colleges

Apart from universities, the policy also impacts other tertiary institutions.

For polytechnics and Colleges of Education, the minimum cut-off score stands at 100 for admissions.

Demystifying Post-UTME Screening Fees: JAMB’s New Policy

In addition to these changes, JAMB has instituted a flat fee of N2,000 for post-UTME screening.

This regulation prevents institutions from charging candidates extra for related expenses, such as administrative and bank fees, making the admissions process more transparent and accessible for candidates.

JAMB’s Commitment to Fairness: Free Access to Candidate Data

To further enhance the admission process’s integrity, JAMB will provide institutions with free access to candidates’ photo images and fingerprint data.

This move is aimed at preventing any candidate substitution and ensuring that the deserving candidates are admitted.

This new policy by JAMB, setting a 140 cut-off mark for university admissions and a N2,000 post-UTME fee, marks a significant step in standardizing Nigerian university admissions.

It balances institutional autonomy with national educational standards, ensuring a level playing field for all aspiring university students in Nigeria.

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