The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled major policy changes during its 2025 Policy Meeting, held recently, with a clear shift towards a ranking-based admission system across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will no longer be treated as a mere achievement test but as a ranking examination. This means candidates will now be evaluated based on how their scores compare with others, rather than on the score alone.
“JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam,” Oloyede said.
Under this new policy, UTME result slips will carry both the candidate’s actual score and their national ranking. For instance, while a score of 370 placed one candidate 16th nationally, another with 200 ranked 533,005th. A score of 140 could place a candidate beyond 1.5 million on the national log.
Top 10 Best Candidates for 2025 UTME
The Board also announced the top ten performing candidates for the 2025 UTME. Most of them applied for Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), reflecting the programme’s rising popularity and competitiveness:
- Dzekwe Chinedu Chielotan – 379 (UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering)
- Ayuba Simon-Peter John – 378 (UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering)
- Jimoh Abdulmutalib Olayinka – 374 (UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering)
- Roberts Daniels Ayiba – 373 (UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering)
- Ononogbu Chigozirim Chibuozor – 373 (UNILAG, Electrical/Electronics Engineering)
- Olawoye Garrudee Tumise – 371 (UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering)
- Afiunu Ofeoritse Leslie – 369 (Covenant University, Computer Science)
- Azayiseme Samuel Chukwumeka – 369 (Covenant University, Mechanical Engineering)
- Oyelude Oluwapemisi Emmanuel – 369 (OAU, Aerospace Engineering)
- Omigie Osaiogho Cecil – 367 (UI, Mechanical Engineering)
Most Preferred Institutions by Candidates
JAMB also released a list of institutions with the highest number of first-choice applicants:
- Lagos State University (LASU) – 79,000
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 58,645
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 56,734
- Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – 52,103
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – 51,467
- University of Ibadan (UI) – 48,291
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 46,542
- University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 45,686
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 43,777
This list shows stiff competition for admission, especially in popular courses like Medicine, Engineering, and Law.
2025 Admission Cut-off Marks
The new cut-off marks for 2025/2026 admissions are as follows:
Federal/State Universities – 150
Colleges of Nursing – 140
Polytechnics – 100
Colleges of Education/Agriculture – 100
Admission Timelines
Public Universities – Must complete admission by October 2025
Private Institutions – Between November and December 2025
Institutions must now respond to JAMB recommendations within two weeks, while candidates are expected to accept or reject admission offers within four weeks.
Strict Compliance with Merit Admission
The Board has mandated that all institutions must fill at least 90% of their admission slots strictly based on merit before considering any discretionary (connection-based) admissions.
Minimum Admission Age Still 16
JAMB reiterated that the minimum age for admission remains 16 years. Any candidate below that age, regardless of UTME performance, is not eligible.
Medical Courses Remain Highly Competitive
The medical field remains the most competitive, with over 570,000 applicants seeking placement in medical programmes. However, only about 115,000 slots are available, which means less than 20% will gain admission.
Final Advice to Candidates and Parents
With these new changes, candidates are advised to pay attention not only to their scores but also to their national rankings. Parents and students are encouraged to act quickly on admission offers and keep alternative plans ready, especially for competitive courses.
For more updates on schools selling Post-UTME forms and admission tips, students are advised to stay connected with credible education news platforms.
