The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced 140 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities, with polytechnics and colleges of education set at 100.
The decision was revealed by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during the 2024 Policy meeting in Abuja on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
In attendance were key stakeholders including the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, and representatives from various higher educational institutions.
Minister Mamman also directed that candidates below 18 years old should not be admitted into tertiary institutions, emphasizing alignment with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.
“JAMB is instructed, starting this admission cycle, to admit only eligible students who have attained 18 years as per our laws,” Minister Mamman stated firmly, addressing concerns over underage admissions.
Despite mixed reactions from university vice-chancellors, polytechnic rectors, and registrars, Minister Mamman defended the decision, citing legal provisions governing tertiary admissions.
“Our laws mandate a structured educational path from primary through secondary school, and this should be adhered to by all admission bodies,” Mamman asserted.
He further highlighted the Ministry of Education’s commitment to enhancing skills development from primary education onwards, ensuring comprehensive educational reforms in Nigeria.
