JAMB Lowers Admission Cut-off Mark to 150 in Nigeria

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the minimum cut-off mark for university admissions in Nigeria at 150 for the year 2026. This marks a significant decline from previous years, where the minimum cut-off was 180 in 2017 and fluctuated between 120 and 180 from 2015 to 2025.

Critics argue that lowering the benchmark reflects a troubling trend of rewarding mediocrity in education, potentially leading to a generation of intellectually underprepared graduates. The cut-off marks have been progressively reduced, with the minimum dropping from 180 in 2015 to 150 in 2026.

This shift has raised concerns among educators and stakeholders about the implications for academic performance and the quality of graduates entering the workforce. Many believe that instead of lowering standards, efforts should focus on addressing the root causes of declining academic performance in Nigeria.