In a pivotal announcement, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set a new admission cut-off mark of 140 for universities, while polytechnics and colleges of education will adhere to a minimum cut-off point of 100. This was disclosed by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during the 2024 Policy Meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.
The high-profile meeting was graced by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, along with vice-chancellors, rectors, registrars of higher institutions, and various other stakeholders. In a bold directive, the Minister of Education decreed that no admissions should be granted to candidates under the age of 18, responding to growing concerns about parents pressuring their underage children to enter tertiary institutions prematurely.
The policy meeting saw mixed reactions from the academic leaders present, but Minister Mamman stood firm, stressing the importance of addressing the issue of underage admissions. “The 18-year benchmark is in line with the 6-3-3-4 system of education,” he asserted. “JAMB is hereby instructed from this admission year to admit only eligible students—those who have attained 18 years by our laws.”
Mamman emphasized that this stance is backed by Nigerian law, which dictates a specific educational pathway for students: six years of primary school, three years of basic education, and three years of secondary school. This structure ensures that students are of an appropriate age to handle the academic and social responsibilities of tertiary education.
The cut-off marks set by JAMB serve as a crucial benchmark for admissions, allowing institutions the flexibility to set their own thresholds above the minimum. This ensures that only candidates who are adequately prepared for the rigors of higher education are admitted.
Additionally, Minister Mamman highlighted proactive measures by the Ministry of Education to address the needs of students who may not gain admission to tertiary institutions. “We are introducing skills training programs starting from primary school, providing alternative educational pathways and ensuring that students acquire valuable skills for their future endeavors,” he explained. This initiative aims to cater to diverse student needs and promote inclusive education across Nigeria.
The new cut-off marks and age requirements are expected to streamline the admission process and enhance the quality of education in Nigeria. By setting clear and rigorous standards, JAMB and the Ministry of Education aim to foster a more disciplined and well-prepared student body, ready to tackle the challenges of higher education and beyond.
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