Critical decisions shaping Nigeria’s 2026 tertiary admission process were unveiled on Monday as education stakeholders gathered in Abuja for the annual policy meeting organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The high-level meeting brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, policymakers, and other education administrators to deliberate on admission guidelines, institutional compliance, and challenges affecting tertiary education across the country.
One of the major resolutions reached at the meeting was the retention of the minimum cut-off mark for universities at 150, while polytechnics were permitted to admit candidates from 120 and below, depending on institutional requirements and programme considerations.
Presenting the 2026 admission statistics, the Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that a total of 2,054,838 candidates registered for the 2026 admission exercise. According to him, 1,891,870 candidates sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, while 75,940 candidates applied through the Direct Entry category.
The registrar explained that the number of Direct Entry applicants dropped significantly this year due to stricter screening measures introduced by the board to eliminate certificate fraud and fake qualifications in the admission process.
“Strict verification policies have drastically reduced the use of fake results among Direct Entry candidates. The system is now more credible and transparent,” Oloyede stated.
He also issued a strong warning to Vice Chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions over cases where registered students allegedly sit for UTME on behalf of other candidates. According to him, institutions must promptly respond to all observations and investigations raised by JAMB regarding examination malpractice.
“This offense is extremely serious and institutions must cooperate fully whenever such issues are raised by the board,” he warned.
During the meeting, several important statistics and policy decisions were highlighted:
1. The minimum university cut-off mark for 2026 remains 150.
2. Polytechnics were allowed to admit candidates from 120 and below based on programme requirements.
3. Total registered candidates for the 2026 admission exercise stood at 2,054,838.
4. UTME candidates accounted for 1,891,870 registrations.
5. Direct Entry applicants totaled 75,940.
6. Candidates who obtained the required five O’Level credits including Mathematics and English Language were recorded at 1,382,222.
7. Kaduna State recorded 864 candidates who scored below 140 in UTME.
8. Nasarawa State recorded 687 candidates below 140.
9. Benue State recorded 664 candidates below the 140 benchmark.
10. Arts-related courses attracted 10,620 applicants, while science-related courses recorded 4,698 applicants.
11. Lagos State University emerged as the most sought-after institution by applicants.
12. University of Lagos ranked second in applications received.
13. Obafemi Awolowo University followed in third position.
14. University of Ibadan ranked fourth.
15. University of Benin completed the top five most-applied institutions.
Oloyede further explained that the overwhelming number of candidates seeking admission into Medicine and Surgery programmes remains one of the biggest admission challenges in Nigeria. He noted that many candidates score above 300 in UTME but still fail to secure admission because of the intense competition for MBBS slots.
“The pressure on Medicine and Surgery programmes is becoming alarming. Even candidates with outstanding scores sometimes cannot secure admission because the available spaces are extremely limited,” he said.
The registrar also identified other reasons many candidates fail to gain admission yearly. These include absence from post-UTME screening exercises, incorrect O’Level details, and deficiencies in UTME subject combinations.
In another important clarification, Oloyede stated that only non-Nigerians and Nigerians who are verifiable residents abroad would henceforth be allowed to write JAMB examinations outside Nigeria. He added that such Nigerians must have lived abroad for at least six months or completed their secondary education outside the country before qualifying for foreign-centre registration.
The meeting also featured recognition awards for individuals who demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication during the 2025 UTME exercise. Mr. Gbenga Adebayo received a bravery award after volunteering to deliver ransom demanded by kidnappers who abducted some UTME candidates in Kogi State.
Similarly, Mrs. Moduoluwa Aloba was honoured for her dedication and commitment to the successful conduct of JAMB operations.
Concluding the meeting, the registrar reiterated JAMB’s firm stance against illegal admissions, warning all Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts not to admit candidates beyond the approved admission quotas and capacities allocated to their institutions through the Central Admissions Processing System.
“No institution should exceed its approved carrying capacity. Admissions must strictly comply with CAPS and institutional quotas approved by JAMB,” Oloyede emphasized.
The 2026 policy meeting continues to generate nationwide reactions as stakeholders describe the deliberations as pivotal to strengthening transparency, accountability, and quality control within Nigeria’s tertiary education admission system.
