"JAMB has pegged the minimum admissible score for Nigerian universities at 150, sparking discussions on academic standards and admission equity."
Following extensive consultations with heads of tertiary institutions and the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the minimum cut-off mark for the 2026/27 academic session remains 150 for universities. This decision comes as part of the board’s efforts to balance the need for increased access to tertiary education with the preservation of academic standards.
While 150 is the national minimum, JAMB emphasized that this is a baseline and not a guarantee of admission. Individual universities retain the autonomy to set their own higher cut-off marks based on their internal capacity and the competitiveness of specific programs. For instance, high-demand courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering typically require significantly higher scores than the national floor.
In a strategic policy shift, JAMB also announced special considerations for candidates seeking admission into Agriculture and Education programs. By keeping the floor at 150, the government aims to encourage enrollment in these sectors, which are deemed critical for national development. Students are advised to monitor the official websites of their preferred institutions to understand specific departmental requirements. Prospective candidates must recognize that achieving 150 does not automatically secure a spot; they must still excel in the post-UTME screening processes, maintain a strong O'Level profile, and ensure their subject combinations align perfectly with their chosen course of study. The board remains committed to a merit-based, transparent admission process throughout the 2026 cycle.
Calculate Your 2026 University Aggregate Score
Check your admission chances across UNILAG, LASU, UI, OAU, FUTA, UNIBEN, and 50+ Nigerian institutions with CampusAI's official formula engine.
Calculate Aggregate Score Now →
