Several universities across Nigeria have announced plans to review their admission cut-off marks for the next academic session. This decision is coming after meetings and consultations with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and other key stakeholders in the education sector. The move has already attracted wide attention from students, parents, and education observers across the country.
Admission cut-off marks are the minimum scores candidates must get in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration into a university. These marks play an important role in controlling the number of applicants and helping universities maintain their academic standards. However, university authorities have explained that the current realities in the education system make it necessary to review these benchmarks from time to time.
According to university officials, the number of students seeking admission into higher institutions keeps increasing every year. Thousands of candidates sit for the UTME annually, but the available admission spaces in universities remain limited. As a result, many students who meet basic requirements still fail to secure admission. This situation has raised concerns among education stakeholders, prompting discussions on how to make university education more accessible without reducing quality.
Some universities are now considering slightly lowering their cut-off marks. The goal is to give more qualified candidates a fair chance of gaining admission. These institutions believe that many students who score just below the current cut-off marks still have the ability to perform well academically if given the opportunity. By adjusting the marks, universities hope to reduce the number of students left out each year.
On the other hand, some universities have said they may keep their cut-off marks unchanged. Instead of lowering scores, they plan to strengthen their internal screening processes. This includes using post-UTME tests, interviews, and document verification to carefully select the most suitable candidates. These institutions believe that proper screening can help them admit capable students while maintaining their academic reputation.
Front view of Gombe State University
The review of cut-off marks is also influenced by changing social and economic conditions. Many families are struggling with rising costs, and education is becoming more expensive. Universities understand that access to education can help young people build better futures and contribute positively to society. As a result, there is growing pressure on institutions to find ways to admit more students without overstretching their resources.
Education experts have shared different opinions on the issue. Some experts support the idea of lowering cut-off marks, especially for courses that do not attract high competition. They argue that universities should focus more on improving teaching quality rather than relying only on entrance scores. Others believe that cut-off marks should remain reasonable but flexible, depending on available facilities and staff strength.
Another suggestion from experts is for universities to invest more in infrastructure. By building more lecture halls, laboratories, hostels, and hiring more lecturers, institutions can increase their capacity to admit students. This approach, they say, will solve the admission problem in the long run instead of adjusting cut-off marks every year.
Students and parents are following the situation closely. Many UTME candidates are hopeful that a reduction in cut-off marks will improve their chances of getting admitted into their preferred universities. For students who narrowly missed previous cut-off points, the review brings renewed hope and motivation.
However, some parents have expressed concerns about the possible effects of lowering admission standards. They worry that admitting students with lower scores could affect the quality of graduates produced by universities. According to them, maintaining high standards is important for Nigeria’s education system and global competitiveness.
In response to these concerns, universities have assured the public that quality will not be compromised. School authorities have emphasized that any decision taken will be carefully studied and approved by relevant education bodies. They also stated that cut-off marks are only one part of the admission process and do not fully determine a student’s success.
Universities have promised to make official announcements once final decisions are reached. They advised candidates and parents to rely only on information from trusted and official sources such as university websites, JAMB platforms, and verified public statements. They also warned against rumors and false information, especially on social media.
As the next academic session approaches, the review of admission cut-off marks remains an important topic in Nigeria’s education sector. While the final outcome is yet to be confirmed, the discussions show a growing effort to balance access to higher education with the need to maintain academic excellence. Students are encouraged to prepare well, stay informed, and remain hopeful as universities work towards fair and transparent admission processes.
