In a significant development for higher education in Nigeria, the Committee of Vice Chancellors and other heads of universities convened on Tuesday to establish a new minimum admission benchmark for prospective students. During the pivotal 2025 policy meeting hosted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja, a unanimous decision was reached to set the minimum score for university admission at 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This threshold means that any candidate who scores below 150 will not be eligible for admission to universities across the country. This move aims to streamline the admission process and ensure that universities maintain a standard reflective of the challenges and rigors of higher education.
Interestingly, while 150 serves as the baseline, many established institutions have opted for a higher benchmark. Notable universities like the University of Ibadan, Pan-Atlantic University, and the University of Lagos have decided on a minimum score of 200. This is indicative of their commitment to maintaining quality education and admitting students they feel are best equipped to thrive academically. On the flip side, a few newly established private universities have proposed a remarkably more accessible benchmark, aiming to attract candidates with UTME scores as low as 120. This might open doors for many students who may have previously felt their chances of higher education were dim.
The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, initially suggested a higher minimum benchmark of 160, illustrating a conscious effort to elevate academic standards across the board. While some may view the current benchmark as a compromise, it enables a wider range of students to consider the pursuit of higher education, reflecting a responsive educational policy framework that seeks to cater to Nigeria’s growing population.
As the academic landscape evolves, it will be fascinating to see how these changes affect not just student enrollment but also the overall educational outcomes in Nigeria. With this new policy in place, the country is poised to see a shift in the dynamics of university admissions, paving the way for a more diversified educational environment.
Stay tuned for more updates on this important topic!
#Education #Politics #Nigeria #WorldNews
