JAMB cut-off for 2025: 150 for Universities, 100 for Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for 2025 university admissions, while also setting 100 as the benchmark for both Polytechnics and Colleges of Education. The decision was disclosed during the JAMB 2025 Policy Meeting held in Abuja, chaired by Education Minister Tahir Mamman.

150 Minimum UTME Score Required for University Admission

The most notable highlight from the policy meeting was the approval of 150 as the lowest acceptable UTME score for gaining admission into Nigerian universities. JAMB emphasized that this figure represents the national minimum, although individual institutions are free to set higher internal benchmarks.

Admissions below 150 will not be accepted or processed via the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, reiterated that this policy ensures fairness and academic integrity in the country’s higher education space.

Polytechnics: Cut-Off Mark Set at 100

For polytechnics, the minimum JAMB cut-off mark has been confirmed as 100. This means any candidate who scored at least 100 in the UTME can be considered for National Diploma (ND) admission. Institutions are encouraged to align their internal admission systems with this national minimum.

This decision aims to provide more access to technical and vocational education for students who may not meet the university threshold but still wish to pursue valuable post-secondary programs. Stakeholders believe it could boost enrolment in polytechnics, many of which remain underutilized despite Nigeria’s demand for skilled technicians.

Colleges of Education: JAMB Approves 100 as Entry Score

JAMB also confirmed that 100 is the minimum score required for entry into Nigeria’s Colleges of Education in 2025. Like with polytechnics, institutions can raise this benchmark internally but cannot admit students below it.

The policy reflects efforts to rejuvenate the teaching profession and ensure that more qualified candidates are admitted into teacher-training institutions. By keeping the threshold accessible, JAMB hopes to address Nigeria’s chronic shortage of trained educators, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

Other Specialized Institutions: Nursing Colleges Set at 140

For specialized institutions like Colleges of Nursing Sciences, JAMB has pegged the minimum score at 140. This slightly elevated benchmark reflects the rigorous academic and practical demands of nursing education.

Applicants aiming for these institutions must meet both JAMB and institution-specific criteria, including post-UTME screenings, O’Level subject combinations, and other professional requirements.

CAPS to Enforce Compliance Across All Institutions

All admissions for 2025 will be processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which automatically validates scores and institutional cut-off compliance. No admission below the specified minimum marks will be approved or recognized by JAMB.

Any institution caught violating the policy risks being sanctioned or having its admissions revoked. CAPS is designed to promote transparency and prevent the manipulation of admission lists, which has plagued Nigeria’s education sector in previous years.

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Implications for Students and Guidance Counselors

Prospective applicants must now tailor their aspirations according to their UTME scores. A score of 150 or above opens up university admission routes, while scores between 100 and 140 make polytechnics and colleges of education viable options.

Guidance counselors in secondary schools are expected to play a more active role in helping students understand their academic paths based on these new thresholds. The policy promotes strategic decision-making and reduces unrealistic admission expectations.

National Response and Policy Outlook

Reactions from education experts and stakeholders have been largely positive, applauding the clarity and flexibility the new thresholds offer. However, there is a call for increased investment in polytechnics and colleges of education to make them more attractive alternatives.

As Nigeria continues to align its education system with global standards, consistent enforcement, infrastructure upgrades, and public sensitization will be essential to the success of the JAMB 2025 policy framework.