In Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for university admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session. The decision is already sparking debate among education stakeholders across the country.
The revised benchmark follows months of controversy surrounding the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). JAMB had earlier admitted that the exam experienced technical glitches at several centres, prompting calls for fairness in the admission process.
While some see the lowered threshold as a relief for students affected by the UTME disruptions, others argue that it could compromise academic standards. Universities are also expected to adopt this new benchmark while retaining the autonomy to set higher cut-off points.
As reactions pour in, the move has reignited conversations about the quality and equity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
