The 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting has introduced sweeping reforms that will shape university admissions in Nigeria this year.
From a brand-new ranking system to strict admission deadlines, these updates redefine how candidates are assessed and admitted.
If you are seeking admission in 2025, this is essential reading — your chances may depend on understanding these changes.
Ranking Now Outweighs Raw Scores
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made a defining statement at the meeting:
“JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam.”
This signals a major shift in how candidates are evaluated.
JAMB will no longer assess success solely by total marks, but by how each score compares to others nationwide.
Henceforth, every JAMB result slip will show:
- The candidate’s actual UTME score
- The candidate’s national rank
This new feature reflects a candidate’s performance relative to all others.
For example, a student who scored 370 ranked only 16th, while another with 200 ranked 533,005th.
A score of 140 could place a candidate beyond 1.5 millionth.
The lesson is clear — focus on ranking, not just score.
Top 2025 UTME Candidates Announced
The 2025 Policy Meeting also highlighted the best-performing UTME candidates. Interestingly, most of them applied to study Mechanical Engineering at UNILAG, signalling its growing popularity.
1. Dzekwe Chinedu Chielotan – 379, UNILAG, Mech. Engineering
2. Ayuba Simon-Peter John – 378, UNILAG, Mech. Engineering
3. Jimoh Abdulmutalib Olayinka – 374, UNILAG, Mech. Engineering
4. Roberts Daniels Ayiba – 373, UNILAG, Mech. Engineering
5. Ononogbu Chigozirim Chibuozor – 373, UNILAG, Elect/Elect Engr
6. Olawoye Garrudee Tumise – 371, UNILAG, Mech. Engineering
7. Afiunu Ofeoritse Leslie – 369, COVENANT, Comp. Science
8. Azayiseme Samuel Chukwumeka – 369, COVENANT, Mech. Engineering
9. Oyelude Oluwapemisi Emmanuel – 369, OAU, Aerospace Engr
10. Omigie Osaiogho Cecil – 367, UI, Mech. Engineering
These names reflect the dominance of top private and federal universities in attracting Nigeria’s highest scorers.
Most Sought-After Universities of 2025
JAMB also released data on institutions that received the highest number of first-choice applications:
1. Lagos State University (LASU) – 79,000
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
These figures highlight intense competition, especially for courses in Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Nursing.
Official 2025 Admission Cut-Off Marks
According to the JAMB Policy Meeting report:
- Federal and State Universities: 150
- Colleges of Nursing: 140
- Polytechnics: 100
- Colleges of Agriculture/Education: 100
While universities may set higher internal benchmarks, none may admit below these national minimums.
Admission Deadlines and Expiry Rules
JAMB has fixed strict admission timelines for the 2025/2026 session:
- Public Universities: Must conclude admission by October 2025.
- Private Institutions: Deadline extended till November–December 2025.
In addition, admission offers will now expire automatically if left unattended:
- When JAMB recommends a candidate, the institution has two weeks to accept or reject.
- When an institution offers admission, the candidate has four weeks to accept or decline.
Failure to act within these periods means automatic forfeiture of the offer.
Tougher Rules Against Admission “Runs”
To curb manipulation and favoritism, JAMB has directed that institutions must admit at least 90% of candidates purely on merit before using any “exemption” or discretionary slot. This new enforcement policy prioritizes merit and transparency in all admissions.
In the Registrar’s words, “Merit-first is now policy — and it will be enforced.”
Minimum Age for Admission Still 16
The minimum age requirement for tertiary admission remains 16 years.
Candidates younger than 16 are not eligible for admission, regardless of their JAMB scores or school preferences.
Medical Courses Still the Toughest to Enter
Interest in Medicine and related courses remains overwhelming. Over 570,000 candidates applied for medical and health-science programmes nationwide. Yet, only about 115,000 slots exist — meaning fewer than one in five applicants will be admitted.
Aspiring doctors are therefore urged to prepare backup options in related fields.
Final Advice to Students and Parents
The new JAMB policy framework rewards comparative excellence, not just raw scores.
A high mark no longer guarantees admission unless it ranks competitively nationwide.
“JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam.”
Candidates must therefore monitor their ranking and CAPS portal closely, act swiftly on admission offers, and remain alert to deadlines.
The 2025 admission cycle will favour those who understand and adapt quickly to this new system.
Call to Action
Students should log in to the JAMB CAPS portal now to:
- Check their ranking position
- Track their admission status
- Accept or reject offers before expiry
Parents and educators should help candidates understand that ranking is now the key factor determining university admission in Nigeria.