Nigerian universities have expressed dissatisfaction over the Federal Government’s recent directive pegging the minimum UTME cut-off mark for university admission at 150, and fixing 16 years as the official entry age into tertiary institutions.
The decision, announced at the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja, saw Colleges of Education and Polytechnics retaining a 100 cut-off mark, while Colleges of Nursing were fixed at 140.
Despite efforts by vice-chancellors to retain the 140 mark set in 2024, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa and JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede maintained that raising the benchmark reflects needed reforms in the education system.
However, critics argue that the move contradicts institutional autonomy. Stakeholders insist that universities should set their own cut-offs through their Senates, rather than adopt a blanket policy.
Concerns Over Declining Standards
Education leaders fear that a 150 benchmark equates to subpar performance—less than 50% per subject in UTME. Okezie Aloy, Rector of Abia College of Health Sciences, described the move as a reflection of a deteriorating education system, questioning the competence of candidates admitted with such scores.
Conversely, Prof. Philemon Amanze of Babcock University defended the policy, saying it improves access to tertiary education and that institutions still retain the power to set their own internal benchmarks.
Most Chosen Schools & Exam Malpractices
JAMB also revealed that LASU, UNILAG, and UNILORIN were the most sought-after institutions in 2025. However, the board flagged Anambra and Imo states as the top centres for UTME malpractice. In addition, it questioned the legitimacy of the top scorer's result, hinting at possible foul play.
While the decision aims to promote transparency and standardization, it has reignited debates about quality, access, and autonomy in Nigeria's higher education system.
