2025 JAMB Policy Meeting: Key Changes Every Nigerian Student Must Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a series of groundbreaking changes following the 2025 Policy Meeting, fundamentally altering how university admissions will work in Nigeria. From updated admission cut-off marks to a radical shift in how candidates are evaluated, these changes are set to impact every prospective undergraduate, parent, and stakeholder in the Nigerian education sector.

JAMB UTME Is Now a Ranking Exam, Not an Achievement Test

One of the most significant announcements came from the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who clarified that the UTME is no longer just about achieving a high score but about ranking. This means a student’s performance will now be measured against how well others perform.

Every result slip will now contain two critical metrics:

• The candidate’s raw score
• Their national ranking

This change shifts the focus from just “how high did you score?” to “how well did you rank among others?”

Real Examples Highlight the New System:

• A student who scored 370 was ranked 16th nationwide
• Another candidate with 200 was ranked 533,005th
• A score of 140 might place you beyond 1.5 million in rank

What this means: Even if your score seems good, your admission chances depend more on how others performed overall.

Top Performers in the 2025 UTME Revealed

JAMB released the list of the top ten candidates in the 2025 UTME, all with outstanding scores and clear academic goals.

Top 10 Candidates and Their Choices:

1. Dzekwe Chinedu Chielotan – 379 – Mechanical Engineering, UNILAG
2. Ayuba Simon-Peter John – 378 – Mechanical Engineering, UNILAG
3. Jimoh Abdulmutalib Olayinka – 374 – Mechanical Engineering, UNILAG
4. Roberts Daniels Ayiba – 373 – Mechanical Engineering, UNILAG
5. Ononogbu Chigozirim Chibuozor – 373 – Electrical/Electronics Engineering, UNILAG
6. Olawoye Garrudee Tumise – 371 – Mechanical Engineering, UNILAG
7. Afiunu Ofeoritse Leslie – 369 – Computer Science, Covenant University
8. Azayiseme Samuel Chukwumeka – 369 – Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University
9. Oyelude Oluwapemisi Emmanuel – 369 – Aerospace Engineering, OAU
10. Omigie Osaiogho Cecil – 367 – Mechanical Engineering, UI

This list shows a rising trend in the demand for mechanical and engineering-related programs, especially at UNILAG.

Most Sought-After Universities in Nigeria (2025)

JAMB also disclosed the top universities based on the volume of first-choice applications. The data signals where the competition for admission will be most intense.

Top 10 Most Applied-to Universities:

1. Lagos State University (LASU) – 79,000 applicants
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 58,645
3. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 56,734
4. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) – 52,103
5. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) – 51,467
6. University of Ibadan (UI) – 48,291
7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 46,542
8. University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 45,686
9. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – 43,777

Key Insight: The higher the number of applicants, the tougher the admission process. Candidates applying to these schools should prepare strategically and have strong backup options.

Official 2025 Cut-Off Marks for Admissions

The 2025 JAMB cut-off marks have been confirmed as follows:

• Universities (Federal and State): 150
• Colleges of Nursing: 140
• Polytechnics: 100
• Colleges of Education and Agriculture: 100

Candidates must meet or exceed these thresholds to be eligible for admission consideration.

Admission Timeline and Deadlines

Timely decision-making is now crucial. JAMB and institutions are tightening the admission schedule to prevent prolonged waiting and manipulation.

Deadline Highlights:

• Public Universities must conclude all admissions by October 2025
• Private Universities have until December 2025

Important Notes:

• If JAMB recommends a candidate, the institution must respond within 2 weeks
• If an institution offers admission, the student has 4 weeks to accept or reject the offer

Any delay beyond these windows could result in the automatic withdrawal of the admission offer.

Stronger Emphasis on Merit-Based Admissions

To curb backdoor admissions and corrupt practices, JAMB has made merit-based selection mandatory for at least 90 percent of all admitted students. Universities must adhere to this rule before using discretionary or “connection-based” slots.

This ensures a level playing field, rewarding deserving candidates based on performance, not influence.

Minimum Age Requirement Still Applies

JAMB reaffirmed that the minimum age for admission remains 16 years. Any candidate below this age is ineligible for admission, regardless of how high their score is.

Medical Courses Remain Highly Competitive

Medicine and related health sciences continue to attract a large number of applicants.

Statistics:

• Over 570,000 candidates applied for Medical Sciences in 2025
• Only about 115,000 can be admitted across institutions

This makes medical programs some of the most competitive in the country, with an admission rate of less than 20 percent.

Advice for Candidates: Strong backup options in less saturated fields are highly recommended.

Final Advice for Candidates and Parents

The JAMB admission process in 2025 is more data-driven, transparent, and rank-focused than ever before. Parents and students must adapt quickly to the new realities.

What You Should Do:

• Monitor your national rank, not just your score
• Respond quickly to all admission notifications
• Prepare multiple admission strategies and options
• Do not rely on connections — merit now leads the way

Conclusion

The 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting has introduced major changes that will shape the future of university admissions in Nigeria. Students and parents must stay informed, proactive, and ready to respond to this evolving process. The emphasis on ranking over raw scores, strict timelines, and a merit-first approach reflects JAMB’s commitment to transparency and fairness in tertiary admissions.

For detailed updates and original reporting, see the official source here:
Source: Allschool.ng