The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the minimum cut-off marks for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session. The announcement was made during the JAMB Policy Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday and attended by key stakeholders including the Minister of Education, university vice-chancellors, rectors, and registrars.
Here’s what the new cut-off marks mean and why they matter to you.
Minimum Cut-Off Marks for 2025 Admissions
According to JAMB, the following minimum cut-off marks will apply for admissions into various categories of tertiary institutions in Nigeria:
- Universities: 150
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 140
- Polytechnics and Colleges of Education: 100
These are baseline scores, meaning institutions can choose to set their own cut-off marks above these figures—but they cannot go below them.
Why This Is Important for You
If you're a candidate who wrote the 2025 UTME, these cut-off marks determine whether you're eligible to apply for admission into your chosen institution. However, it's important to remember that:
- Scoring 150 doesn't guarantee admission into a university—it simply makes you eligible to apply.
- Competitive institutions may set higher cut-off marks based on course demand and available slots.
- Always check your preferred institution’s official website or admission portal for their specific departmental cut-off.
Age Requirement Reminder
JAMB also reaffirmed that the minimum admissible age for admission remains 16 years. This means any candidate younger than 16 will not be considered for admission, even if they meet the score requirements.
What Happens Next?
With the official cut-off marks now released, most tertiary institutions are expected to begin their Post-UTME screening processes soon. Candidates should:
- Regularly check their school of choice’s website for Post-UTME form sales and screening dates.
- Prepare ahead by reviewing past questions and ensuring their documents are in order.
- Monitor EduPadi blog and JAMB updates for verified announcements.
Summary: What To Do Now
- If you scored 150 and above, you're eligible to apply to universities.
- If you scored 140–149, consider Colleges of Nursing Sciences.
- If you scored 100–139, explore options in polytechnics and colleges of education.
- Ensure you meet the minimum age requirement of 16.
- Stay updated—schools will soon begin releasing their Post-UTME screening details.
