JAMB Fixes 150 As Admission Cut-Off Mark

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2026 academic session.

The decision was reached during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja, attended by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and stakeholders from tertiary institutions across the country, on Monday.

At the meeting, JAMB also announced that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and agriculture-related non-engineering courses in Colleges of Education and Polytechnics would no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

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JAMB said, “Candidates seeking admission into Education Programmes and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME.”

Speaking at the policy meeting, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes would no longer be required to sit the UTME, provided they possess the required qualifications.

Alausa declared, “Candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.”

The minister, however, stressed that such candidates must still register with JAMB for screening and admission processing through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

“However, it is imperative to emphasise that such candidates shall mandatorily register with JAMB, and their credentials shall be duly screened, verified, and certified for the issuance of admission letters through CAPS, in accordance with extant regulations,” the minister stated.

Alausa added that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma (ND) programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

Alausa noted, “This exemption shall extend to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.”

According to the minister, the policy is designed to expand access to tertiary education while maintaining the integrity of the admission process.

“This approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system.

“It will not only ease the pressure associated with UTME but also encourage greater participation in teacher education and agricultural programmes, both of which are critical to national development,” he added.