The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in collaboration with tertiary education stakeholders, has approved a minimum UTME score of 150 for university admission in 2025. Cut-off points of 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education, and 140 for nursing schools, were also ratified during the annual policy meeting held on July 8 in Abuja .
While JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, advocated for a 160‑point minimum, most heads of tertiary institutions opted for a lower threshold: some private universities even suggested 130–140. Ultimately, the consensus remained at 150, though individual institutions retain the right to set higher marks.
In a related move, the Federal Government officially set 16 as the minimum admission age—a shift from the earlier policy targeting 18. Minister Alausa clarified that this adjustment balances the need for academic maturity while allowing exceptions for exceptionally gifted youths—with thorough documentation and approval. He also cautioned against falsifying age records or bypassing the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), citing possible sanctions for violators .
