In a key update that will shape the admission process for Nigeria’s tertiary education system in the 2025/2026 academic year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially pegged 150 as the minimum UTME score for universities, while 100 remains the cut-off for polytechnics and colleges of education. For colleges of nursing sciences, a slightly higher threshold of 140 was approved.
The announcement came via JAMB’s official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, and was confirmed during the annual JAMB Policy Meeting held in Abuja with key stakeholders in attendance.
“The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences,” the statement read.
The cut-off marks known formally as the National Minimum Tolerable UTME Scores (NTMUS) serve as a benchmark to maintain academic standards while ensuring access to tertiary education for a broader segment of Nigerian youth.
Decided collaboratively by vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and regulatory agencies, these cut-off scores are the lowest acceptable scores for admissions. Institutions are, however, permitted to set higher cut-offs in line with their own internal policies, but none is allowed to go below the national minimum.
For example, while the minimum university cut-off is now 150, elite or competitive universities like University of Lagos (UNILAG) or Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) may choose to raise their bar to 180 or higher, depending on program demand.
Recap: JAMB Cut-Off History and Trends
The new policy continues a trend of gradual recalibration in Nigeria’s tertiary admission landscape:
- 2024: The minimum university cut-off was set at 140, with polytechnics and colleges fixed at 100.
- 2016–2022: The university minimum score fluctuated between 160 and 180, reflecting shifting priorities and concerns around academic quality.
- The recent shift to 150 in 2025 reflects renewed emphasis on merit-based admission while accommodating the improved performance statistics of the year.
The move to increase the cut-off for universities also comes amid a record-breaking performance in the 2025 UTME.
According to JAMB and data sourced by Nairametrics:
- 17,025 candidates (0.88%) scored 300 and above, the highest since 2012
- 117,373 candidates (6.08%) scored 250 or more, a jump from 4.18% in 2024
- 565,988 candidates (29.3%) scored 200 and above, compared to just 24% in 2024
- Despite these highs, only 21.5% of candidates exceeded the 200 mark—suggesting a still-wide performance gap across regions and demographics
This year’s results were not without controversy. Allegations of malpractice, technical issues, and a national resit exam marred the process for thousands of students. Still, JAMB insists the system is improving and more secure than ever before.
What This Means for 2025/2026 Candidates
If you sat for UTME this year and scored:
- 150 or above: You qualify for consideration at any Nigerian university (subject to their internal policies)
- 140–149: You are eligible for admission into nursing colleges
- 100–139: You qualify for polytechnics and colleges of education
However, candidates are advised to check the specific departmental and institutional requirements of their chosen schools, as some may demand higher scores or require additional post-UTME screening.
