The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the cut-off marks for the 2024/2025 admission cycle. For universities, the minimum cut-off mark has been set at 100, while polytechnics and Colleges of Education (COE) are also required to use 100 as their minimum cut-off score.
JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized the importance of adherence to these standards. He stated that no higher education institution, whether a university, polytechnic, or college of education, is allowed to admit candidates who do not meet these minimum cut-off requirements. This directive ensures that all institutions maintain a uniform baseline for admissions, preventing disparities and maintaining academic standards across the board.
In addition to the cut-off marks, Professor Oloyede highlighted the necessity for institutions to follow their specific admission criteria as outlined in the Central Admissions Processing Systems (CAPS). The CAPS system is designed to streamline the admissions process and ensure that institutions adhere to their stated requirements.
The JAMB Registrar also presented the admission statistics for 2023, revealing significant data about high-scoring candidates who did not gain admission. Out of 5,261 candidates who achieved scores of 300 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), 1,273 were not admitted. This discrepancy underscores the competitive nature of admissions and the challenges faced by candidates despite their high scores.
Further statistics showed that among the 41,466 candidates who scored 250 and above, 15,399 did not receive admission offers. Additionally, out of 296,909 candidates who scored 200 and above, 138,754 were not admitted. These figures highlight the intense competition and limited availability of spots in various programs.
Professor Oloyede provided a breakdown of admission quotas and actual admissions across different academic fields. For Medicine and Surgery and Pharmacy programs, JAMB allocated a quota of 66,386, but there were 331,208 applications. Ultimately, only 62,792 candidates were admitted. This illustrates a significant gap between the number of applicants and the available spots in highly sought-after programs.
In the sciences category, a quota of 265,634 was allocated, with 300,267 applications received. However, only 138,795 candidates were admitted. This indicates a substantial demand for science programs and the challenges in accommodating all qualified candidates.
For the arts and humanities, JAMB set a quota of 54,755, but the board received 89,634 applications. Only 40,298 admissions were granted in this category. Similarly, in the education sector, a quota of 129,275 was set, while 114,751 applications were received. Ultimately, 75,937 candidates were admitted. These numbers reflect the varying levels of demand and availability in different academic fields.
Professor Oloyede also recognized the top-performing candidates for the year. The highest scorers included Oluwasijibomi Olowu from Ondo State, David Alayande from Oyo State, and Ehijele Orukpe from Edo State, each achieving a remarkable score of 367. Other high achievers included Jewel Emmanuel from Akwa Ibom with a score of 366, Joshua Essiet from Akwa Ibom with a score of 365, and Valerie Ezenwoko from Abia State with a score of 365. These exceptional scores highlight the academic excellence of Nigerian students and the high level of competition for university placements.
Regarding specific institutions, the Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, and the University of Lagos have set a minimum admissible score of 200 in their CAPS systems. This means that candidates must achieve at least 200 to be considered for admission into these institutions.
Similarly, Afe Babalola University, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigerian Police Academy in Wudil, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology in Ikorodu have set a minimum admissible score of 180. This provides a benchmark for candidates applying to these institutions and helps guide their preparation for the UTME.
Professor Oloyede also clarified that the cut-off scores are determined by the individual institutions, not by JAMB. He noted that the fee for the Post-UTME examination has been set at N2000. This fee is part of the admissions process and contributes to the costs associated with conducting the examination and processing applications.
In summary, the JAMB’s announcement of the 2024/2025 admission cut-off marks and the detailed admissions statistics reflect the ongoing challenges and competitive nature of higher education admissions in Nigeria. By adhering to the minimum cut-off scores and institutional requirements, both candidates and institutions can work towards achieving fair and transparent admissions processes.
