JAMB set 2026 minimum cut-off marks at 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnic, colleges of education

The Joint Examination and Matriculation Board JAMB sets the minimum cut-off marks at 150 for Universities and 100 for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education for 2026/2027  academic session.

This formed part of the follow out of the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting and Tertiary Education Awards with Stakeholders in the Education Sector in attendance , chaired by the Minister of Education.

The Heads of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria had unanimously agreed that the Minimum Admissible Scores for admissions into Universities should be 150, Colleges of Nursing, 150, and Polytechnics, 100.

The scores, known as National Minimum Tolerable UTME Scores, indicate that no tertiary institution is allowed to admit candidates who score below the agreed benchmarks.

But schools are generally permitted to set higher cut-offs for applicants seeking admission.

Last year, the cut-off mark for admission into universities was pegged at 150, a move which raised concerns among Nigerians and prompted outcry among observers who argued it was too low for admission seekers.

At the meeting, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions remains 16 years.

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.

“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness. While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole,” he said.

The minister said admissions outside JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) were illegal and would not be recognised.