The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian examination body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which serves as a gateway for prospective candidates into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. One of the most important factors considered in the admission process is the UTME score. Candidates are often concerned about the minimum cut-off mark set by JAMB for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. In this article, we will explore whether JAMB has reduced their cut-off mark and the implications of any such reduction.
Understanding the UTME Scoring System
The UTME is scored on a scale of 400, with each subject carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The scores from the four subjects are then added together to give a total score out of 400. The minimum score a candidate can obtain in the UTME is zero, while the maximum score is 400.
Each year, JAMB sets a minimum cut-off mark that candidates must obtain to be considered for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. This cut-off mark is usually determined based on factors such as the number of available spaces in tertiary institutions, the performance of candidates in the UTME, and the academic standard of the institutions.
In recent years, JAMB has set the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities at 160, while the cut-off mark for polytechnics and colleges of education is 120. However, it is important to note that these cut-off marks are not fixed, and they may vary from year to year depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
Recent News on JAMB Cut-off Mark
There have been speculations in some quarters that JAMB has reduced its cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities from 160 to 120. However, JAMB has come out to debunk these rumors, stating that the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities remains at 160.
According to JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities was last reviewed in 2017, and there has been no plan to review it again. He urged candidates and the general public to disregard any news of a reduction in the minimum cut-off mark, stating that it is baseless and unfounded.
Implications of a Reduction in JAMB Cut-off Mark
A reduction in JAMB’s minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities would have significant implications for the education sector and the quality of graduates produced by Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Quality of Education: A reduction in the minimum cut-off mark could lead to a decline in the quality of education offered by Nigerian universities. This is because some candidates who would have otherwise failed to meet the previous cut-off mark would gain admission, regardless of their academic abilities.
Academic Standards: A reduction in the minimum cut-off mark could also lead to a decline in the academic standards of Nigerian universities. This is because institutions may be forced to lower their academic standards to accommodate candidates who would have otherwise failed to meet the previous cut-off mark.
Employability of Graduates: A reduction in the minimum cut-off mark could also have implications for the employability of Nigerian graduates. Employers may view graduates from Nigerian universities as less qualified and less competent if the minimum cut-off mark is lowered.
Competition for Limited Spaces: A reduction in the minimum cut-off mark could also increase competition for limited spaces in Nigerian universities. This is because more candidates would be eligible for admission, leading to a higher number of applicants for limited spaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, JAMB has not reduced its minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities. The minimum cut-off mark remains at 160, while the cut-off mark for polytechnics and colleges of education
is 120. A reduction in the minimum cut-off mark would have significant implications for the quality of education, academic standards, employability of graduates, and competition for limited spaces in Nigerian universities.
It is important for candidates to aim for high scores in the UTME and also work on improving their O’Level results and other relevant factors that are considered during the admission process. The admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare adequately for the UTME and other aspects of the admission process.
JAMB is committed to ensuring that only qualified candidates gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The examination body has put in place measures to prevent examination malpractice and ensure the integrity of the UTME. Candidates are advised to comply with the rules and regulations of the examination and avoid any form of malpractice.
In conclusion, the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities remains at 160, and any news of a reduction in the cut-off mark should be disregarded. Candidates are advised to aim for high scores in the UTME and also work on improving their O’Level results and other relevant factors that are considered during the admission process. JAMB will continue to uphold the integrity of the UTME and ensure that only qualified candidates gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
