Introduction

On July 8, 2025, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) convened its annual Policy Meeting on Admissions at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. This significant gathering brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, including vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

The meeting’s primary objective was to establish guidelines for the 2025/2026 admission process, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accessibility for candidates. The decisions made during this session, from setting cut-off marks to addressing admission policies, directly impact secondary school leavers and students preparing for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This report outlines the key outcomes and their implications for your academic journey.

JAMB New Cut-Off Marks

The 2025 Policy Meeting set the minimum UTME scores required for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Universities: 150
2. Polytechnics and Colleges of Education: 100
3. Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 140

What This Means for You:

1. Aiming for a university? You’ll need at least 150 out of 400 to be considered, but top schools like UNILAG, UI, or OAU often demand higher scores (200+ for competitive courses like Medicine or Law). So, study hard to exceed the minimum!

2. Polytechnics and colleges of education require a minimum of 100, making them accessible options for technical or teaching careers.

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3. Aspiring nurses, take note: a score of 140 is the baseline, reflecting the high standards for health-related programs.

Pro Tip: These are just the starting points. To boost your chances, aim for a score well above these marks. For inspiration, Okeke Chinedu Christian from Anambra State scored an incredible 375/400 in the 2025 UTME. You could be the next star!

JAMB New Minimum Admission Age Lowered to 16

One of the biggest updates from the meeting is the reduction of the minimum admission age from 18 to 16 for the 2025/2026 session. If you’ll be 16 by August 31, 2025, you’re eligible to apply for admission.

What This Means for You

If you’re a secondary school leaver who’s 16 or turning 16 soon, you can pursue your dream course in engineering, computer science, or business administration without delay.

However, university or polytechnic life can be challenging at 16. Start building your study habits and confidence now to handle the academic and social demands.

Some institutions have admitted underage candidates outside JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), often charging high fees. Stick to JAMB’s official process to avoid being scammed.

JAMB Top Scorer 2025

The meeting highlighted the 2025 UTME’s top scorers, with Okeke Chinedu Christian from Anambra State leading with an impressive 375/400. JAMB also recognized institutions and candidates through the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards (NATAP-M) for excellence and compliance.

These high achievers show what’s possible with dedication. They studied smart, stayed focused, and aced the exam, you can too!

A top score not only boosts your admission chances but could also earn you recognition or awards. Plus, it’s a game-changer for competitive courses.

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To be among the top scorers, form a study group, use JAMB’s official syllabus, and practice with CBT apps to get comfortable with the exam format. Consistency will set you apart!

JAMB’s Crackdown on Scams

JAMB is serious about keeping admissions fair. They’ve exposed a syndicate selling fake admission letters, with 5,669 candidates caught using forged documents and 4,832 others under investigation. Working with the Nigeria Police Force, JAMB is shutting down these scams.

Scammers are out there promising “guaranteed” admissions for cash. Don’t fall for it! Always check your admission status on JAMB’s official website (www.jamb.gov.ng) or CAPS.

If someone asks for money to “secure” your admission, it’s a red flag. Report it to JAMB or the police to protect yourself.

JAMB’s helping legit candidates fix minor issues. For example, 13 students with record errors were allowed to correct them and get valid admission letters. So, ensure your registration details are accurate.

Keep your JAMB registration number and password private. Never share them with anyone claiming to “help” you.

JAMB Admission Process

The meeting outlined how admissions will work for 2025/2026, so you know what’s coming:

1. Schools must follow JAMB’s schedule for screening and admissions, ensuring no shortcuts or shady deals.
2. All admissions go through CAPS for fairness and merit-based selection.
3. Institutions can set higher cut-offs for competitive courses, so check your target school’s requirements early.

Research your dream school and course now. For example, if you’re eyeing Medicine at UNIBEN, find out their cut-off and post-UTME requirements.

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Stay on top of deadlines for screening forms via JAMB’s website or trusted news sources. Missing them could derail your plans!

Prepare for post-UTME exams, as many schools use them to select the best candidates.

If you’re fresh from secondary school or retaking JAMB in 2026, these updates are your guide to success. The new cut-off marks show you what to aim for, the 16-year age limit opens doors for younger students, and JAMB’s anti-scam efforts keep the process legit. Hearing about top scorers like Okeke Chinedu Christian should motivate you to aim high in the 2026 UTME!

But it’s more than just passing the exam. It’s about choosing the right course, targeting schools where you can compete, and staying clear of fraudsters. With millions of candidates vying for limited spots, preparation is everything.

Your Action Plan for JAMB 2026

Ready to crush JAMB and secure your admission? Here’s how to get started:

1. Study Smart: Use the JAMB syllabus for your subjects, practice past questions, and master the CBT format with apps. Aim for 200+ to stand out!

2. Choose Strategically: Pick schools and courses that align with your strengths. Check their cut-offs and requirements on their official websites.

3. Stay Legit: Register for JAMB 2026 through authorized centers and avoid anyone offering “admission slots” for money.

4. Prep for Post-UTME: Practice aptitude tests and review your O-level subjects, as many schools require screening exams.

5. Check Your Age: If you’ll be 16 by August 31, 2025, you’re good to go. If not, use the extra time to prepare harder.

6. Stay Updated: Follow JAMB’s official website or trusted news platforms for announcements. Avoid unverified sources like random WhatsApp groups.

Conclusion

You’ve got what it takes, JAMBite! The 2025 Policy Meeting has laid out the rules, and now it’s your turn to shine. Whether you’re dreaming of studying Medicine, Engineering, or Education, it all starts with nailing the 2026 UTME. Study hard, stay smart, and don’t let scams or setbacks stop you. Picture yourself holding your admission letter next year.

Got questions? Check JAMB’s official website for more updates. Your admission journey starts now!