JAMB Sets National Minimum Tolerable Scores for University, Polytechnic, and College Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recently announced the adoption of national minimum tolerable scores for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The move aims to standardize the admission process and ensure fairness across all tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the 2023 Policy Meeting of Tertiary Institutions in Abuja on Saturday, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasized the significance of the new policy.

According to Prof. Oloyede, the minimum scores for admission have been set at 140, 100, and 100 for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, respectively. These scores represent the baseline that institutions must adhere to and should not be lowered.

He said “All institutions must abide by this minimum point. This means that no institution can go below the standard.

“For the 15 private universities that demand between 120 and 130 as minimum points, note that the 140 is sacrosanct and must not be violated.

“This is because the system put in place will not recognise 139, so ensure you comply,” he said. Oloyede also said that institutions must not collect more than N2,000 as screening fees from candidates

The decision to establish these minimum scores comes as a response to concerns about discrepancies in admission criteria among various institutions.

By implementing standardized thresholds, JAMB aims to create a level playing field for all candidates seeking admission to tertiary institutions.

Prof. Oloyede further highlighted that while the national minimum tolerable scores provide a uniform benchmark, each institution must also maintain its own minimum standards.

This requirement extends to the institutional screening and grading of candidates in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), which must not fall below 50 marks.