Nigerian Universities Peg 150 as 2025/2026 Admission Cut-Off: What It Means for Students
In a decision that’s sparking heated debates across Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially set 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for university admissions in the 2025/2026 academic session. Announced on July 8, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, this move has left students, parents, and educators buzzing with questions and expectations.
For thousands of hopefuls, this lower threshold feels like a golden ticket. A cut-off of 150, out of a possible 400 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),opens doors for many who feared their dreams of higher education might be dashed. “I scored 162, and I was so scared I wouldn’t make it,” shared Aisha, a 17-year-old aspiring nurse from Lagos. “Now, I have a fighting chance!” Her story echoes the relief felt by countless students who see this as a lifeline to their academic aspirations.
But here’s the catch: while 150 is the baseline, top-tier universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) or Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) are notorious for setting higher bars, sometimes as steep as 250, for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering. This means the race is far from over. Students must still navigate post-UTME screenings and meet stringent O’Level requirements to secure a spot. “It’s a mixed bag,” said Mr. Okonkwo, a secondary school principal in Enugu. “The low cut-off helps, but the real battle is at the departmental level.”
Polytechnics and colleges of education have even lower cut-offs at 100, while nursing colleges require at least 140. This tiered system aims to balance accessibility with quality, but critics argue it could strain already overstretched institutions. Will universities lower their standards or hold firm? Posts on X suggest a divide, with some praising the inclusivity and others warning of overcrowded campuses.
For now, students are urged to check their chosen universities’ portals for specific cut-off marks and admission guidelines. As the 2025/2026 session looms, one thing is clear: this decision has ignited hope, but the journey to a degree remains a marathon, not a sprint.
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