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JAMB set minimum cut-off mark at 140 for university, 100 others

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 140 as the minimum score required for 2024 admissions into Nigerian universities. This announcement came after extensive deliberations at the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions, held in Abuja on Thursday.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, also revealed that the minimum scores for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education have been set at 100. However, he clarified that these are just the minimum thresholds and institutions are not mandated to adhere strictly to them.

Furthermore, institutions will now charge a N2,000 fee for Post UTME screening. To alleviate financial burdens, JAMB will provide institutions with free access to candidates’ photographs, biometrics, and other vital information. Additionally, candidates from the Diaspora, inmates, and People Living with Disabilities will be exempt from the Post UTME.

Dispelling misconceptions, Oloyede emphasized that JAMB does not grant admissions but facilitates the ranking process. He attributed admission gaps to the rigidity of program choices, mismatched demand and supply, lack of interest in existing vacancies, and candidates awaiting O’level results.

Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, urged institutions to strictly adhere to the approved admission quotas, underscoring their importance for maintaining the credibility of the admission process.

In a related development, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has waived the controversial 18-year age benchmark for tertiary admissions following an uproar at the meeting. Stakeholders had vehemently opposed the age restriction, arguing it was impractical. Consequently, the age eligibility for admission has been revised to 16 years and above for this year, with the 18-year benchmark to be enforced starting next year.

Moreover, Prof. Mamman announced a new curriculum for secondary schools set to be introduced in September 2024, aiming to enhance the educational framework in Nigeria.