JAMB Releases Benchmark for 2026 Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the benchmark scores for the 2026 admission cycle into Nigerian tertiary institutions, setting the tone for this year’s placement process.

In a statement issued after its annual policy meeting, JAMB announced minimum cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, following consultations with key stakeholders in the education sector.

The board fixed 140 as the minimum score for university admissions, while polytechnics and colleges of education were pegged at 100.

Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said the benchmarks were agreed upon after extensive deliberations with vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts.

He clarified that institutions retain the autonomy to set higher cut-off marks based on their admission policies and competitiveness.

“These are minimum thresholds. Institutions are free to determine what works best for them,” Oloyede said.

The announcement comes as thousands of candidates await clarity on admission requirements following the release of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.

JAMB also reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in the admission process, warning institutions against illegal admissions outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).

The board disclosed that it would continue to monitor compliance to ensure that all admissions meet regulatory standards.

Education stakeholders welcomed the announcement, noting that early clarity on benchmarks helps candidates make informed decisions.

Some, however, called for continuous reforms to improve access and quality in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

JAMB further advised candidates to regularly check its official portal for updates and guidelines on admission procedures.

The board assured that the 2026 admission process would be streamlined to reduce delays and enhance efficiency.