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Heads of Tertiary Institutions Unanimously Agree on New Admission Benchmarks
Abuja – The JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 has been officially announced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board following a unanimous agreement by heads of tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The board disclosed the new JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 through its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, ending months of speculation over the admission thresholds for the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to the announcement, the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 varies by institution type:
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| Institution Type | JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Universities | 150 |
| Colleges of Nursing | 150 |
| Polytechnics | 100 |
What Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026?
The JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for admission consideration into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Ejes Gist News gathered that heads of tertiary institutions across the country unanimously agreed on the new benchmarks after extensive deliberations on candidate quality, institutional capacity, and academic standards.
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Breakdown of the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026 by Institution Type
Universities: 150
The JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 for universities has been fixed at 150. This means:
- Candidates who scored 150 and above are eligible to apply for university admission.
- Candidates who scored below 150 cannot be considered for university admission in the 2026/2027 academic session.
- Individual universities may set higher cut-off marks than the national minimum benchmark.
Colleges of Nursing: 150
For the first time in recent admission cycles, the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 for Colleges of Nursing has been standardised at 150.
The decision aims to:
- Standardise healthcare education across Nigeria
- Strengthen quality control for nursing trainees
- Align nursing education standards nationwide
Polytechnics: 100
The JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 for polytechnics remains at 100, preserving access for candidates who may not meet university admission requirements but possess technical and vocational potential.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026: Quick Reference Table
| Institution Type | JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026 | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 150 | Score 150 and above |
| State Universities | 150 | Score 150 and above |
| Private Universities | 150* | Score 150 and above (*may set higher) |
| Colleges of Nursing | 150 | Score 150 and above |
| Federal Polytechnics | 100 | Score 100 and above |
| State Polytechnics | 100 | Score 100 and above |
| Private Polytechnics | 100 | Score 100 and above |
| Colleges of Education | 100 (implied) | Score 100 and above |
Official JAMB Announcement
JAMB made the announcement through its verified X handle:
“OFFICIAL: The JAMB cut-off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session has been approved.
– Universities: 150
– Colleges of Nursing: 150
– Polytechnics: 100This follows a unanimous agreement by heads of tertiary institutions across Nigeria.”
What the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026 Means for Candidates
| Candidate Score | University Admission | Nursing Admission | Polytechnic Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 and above | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150–199 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 100–149 | No | No | Yes |
| Below 100 | No | No | No |
Important Notes on the JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026
- Minimum vs Actual Cut-Off Mark:
The JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 is the minimum national benchmark. Individual institutions may adopt higher cut-off marks depending on:- Number of applicants
- Available admission slots
- Institutional policies
- Post-UTME Requirements Still Apply:
Meeting the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 does not guarantee admission. Candidates must still:- Participate in post-UTME screening
- Meet departmental admission requirements
- Possess the correct O’Level subject combinations
- Admission Quota Considerations:
University admissions may also consider:- Merit quota
- Catchment area quota
- Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) quota
Reactions from Stakeholders
Education analysts have welcomed the clarity provided by the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 announcement.
“This unanimous decision eliminates the confusion that often surrounds cut-off marks and gives candidates clear targets to aim for,” a Lagos-based education consultant told Ejes Gist News.
Some parents and candidates, however, expressed concern that the 150 benchmark for universities could exclude capable students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026 Compared With Previous Years
| Year | University Cut-Off Mark | Polytechnic Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 140 | 100 |
| 2025 | 140–160 (varied) | 100 |
| 2026 | 150 (fixed minimum) | 100 |
The JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 represents a stabilisation of previous admission benchmarks.
Bottom Line: JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 for universities? | 150 |
| What is the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 for Colleges of Nursing? | 150 |
| What is the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 for polytechnics? | 100 |
| Can candidates gain admission with scores below 150? | Not for universities or nursing colleges; polytechnics may admit candidates with 100 and above |
