Education
ASUU, ASUP disagree with JAMB on cut-off marks for varsities, polytechnics
ASUU, ASUP disagree with JAMB on cut-off marks for varsities, polytechnics
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) have rejected the recent decision by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to fix 150 as the admission cut-off mark for universities.
ASUU described the benchmark as illegal, adding that JAMB could not set entrance age criteria or cut-off marks for tertiary institutions.
The federal government’s reaffirmation of 16 years as the minimum age for admission to tertiary institutions has received strong support from key education stakeholders such as the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
While they praised the policy to restore academic discipline, they also expressed concern over ongoing systemic policy infractions.
However, the revelation of a minimal cut-off mark of 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education has caused significant criticism, with many fearing that it will further undermine standards in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Speaking in an interview, ASUU president, Professor Chris Piwuna, expressed strong disapproval, calling the gathering “an illegal meeting” and warning that it undermines the authority of university senates.
“I am shocked that some vice chancellors, who are chairmen of their respective university senates, would attend such a meeting and, by doing so, subject their institutions to the authority of JAMB.
“This act differs from the principle of university autonomy and the core issues we are renegotiating with the federal government,” he said.
“Our union has not taken an official position on the issue of minimum age for university entry. But let it be clear, it is not JAMB’s role to determine that. Each university senate is empowered by law to decide on admissions and other academic matters,” he added.
Also, ASUP has opposed the new admission cut-off marks approved by JAMB, describing them as a threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Speaking on the issue in an interview, the president of the Union, Comrade Shammah S. Kpanja, said, “Honestly speaking, fixing the JAMB examination cut-off points to 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education is counterproductive.
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“As you know, JAMB’s total score is 400. By this standard, a candidate only needs 37.5% to gain admission into a university and just 25% to enter a polytechnic or college of education. Undoubtedly, this will contribute greatly to lowering academic standards,” he said.
In response to the news, Dr Smart Olugbeko, National President of COEASU, praised the federal government’s stance on the 16-year-age ban but expressed deeper worries about widespread infractions that have rendered the rule ineffectual over time.
“This is not a new policy. The issue is that it has been consistently violated due to noncompliance by institutions. But we’ve failed to address the root cause: when should children begin formal schooling?”
He mentioned that several private institutions have eliminated primary six, allowing students to start secondary school as early as primary 3 or 4. He stated that as a result, underage pupils complete secondary education and apply for university entrance before the age of 16.
“The government just added a policy today, and the minister announced that the admission age is 16 years old. Yes, that is not a new statement. It is not something new. That has always been like that,” he said.
However, while COEASU supports the federal government’s enforcement of the age limit, the union is firmly opposed to the recently established cut-off marks.
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) acknowledged the potential benefits of increased access and advocated for a balance between inclusivity and academic standards.
NANS‘ National Public Relations Officer, Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, stated that while the 16-year age limit is reasonable, the true difficulty is implementation.
Their views come after the 2025 JAMB policy meeting in Abuja, when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in conjunction with education stakeholders, agreed on the minimum criteria for the new admission cycle.
At the conference, stakeholders agreed that the minimum cut-off for admission to Nigerian universities would be 150.
The baseline for polytechnics and colleges of education is 100, whereas colleges of nursing sciences will admit students with a minimum score of 140.
The meeting was led by Dr Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, and attended by vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and leaders of regulatory bodies.
The cut-off marks serve as national benchmarks, but individual institutions maintain the ability to set higher thresholds based on the competitiveness of their programmes.
At the ceremony, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede stressed that while these were basic qualifications, no institution could admit candidates not meeting the agreed-upon benchmarks.
He also stated that the policy ensures justice, access, and excellence across higher education.
“This policy reflects the reality of our education system and the need to align admission processes with merit, equity, and capacity,” he stated.
The meeting also reaffirmed that institutional autonomy in admissions was still intact, but it must be exercised within the context of national standards.
Institutions are expected to complete admissions according to the approved calendar and report their activities to JAMB for central processing.
Education
JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Registration Guidelines, Highlights Common Profile Code, NIN Issues
JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Registration Guidelines, Highlights Common Profile Code, NIN Issues
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has published comprehensive guidelines for the 2026 UTME registration, alongside a list of common challenges candidates may encounter during the process. The update, released on Sunday via the Board’s official X handle, is aimed at helping prospective applicants prepare ahead of the registration window.
According to JAMB, candidates must ensure that all personal information — including National Identification Number (NIN), email address, and A-Level results — is accurate before generating a profile code, as the data cannot be edited afterward. To obtain the profile code, candidates are required to send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 in the correct format (e.g., NIN 00000011111).
Once generated, the profile code automatically links to biodata retrieved from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Candidates must then proceed to any JAMB office or accredited CBT centre to complete their registration.
The board advised that E-PINs should only be purchased from approved vendors, including banks, online payment platforms, and authorised merchants at registration centres. Before submitting the final form, candidates are expected to double-check the registration template to ensure all details are correct.
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JAMB warned that inaccurate or mismatched details may result in delays. Candidates with incorrect data are advised to update their records with NIMC ahead of registration and confirm that the corrections reflect on the portal — especially details such as name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin.
The board emphasised that email addresses and GSM numbers serve as unique identifiers and cannot be changed or shared. These must be functional before registration.
For candidates who encounter biometric issues, JAMB instructed them to report directly to the nearest JAMB office, adding that no CBT centre is permitted to forcibly complete registration without successful biometric capture. Candidates are also advised to ensure that dual screens are used during registration and that their passport photograph and biometrics are captured correctly.
JAMB listed some of the common errors noticed during profile code generation, including:
- Error 55019/66019 — caused by incorrect message format
- Number Already Registered — indicating the SIM is tied to another candidate’s profile
- Unable to Verify NIN — candidates should wait and try again
The 2026 JAMB UTME form will be available for sale from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026.
JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Registration Guidelines, Highlights Common Profile Code, NIN Issues
Education
FG Clarifies WAEC Subject Selection, Says Students Free to Choose Across All Fields
FG Clarifies WAEC Subject Selection, Says Students Free to Choose Across All Fields
The Federal Government has issued a clear explanation on subject selection under the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum as registration for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) continues nationwide.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Sa’id Suwaiba Ahmad, clarified that there is no restriction or exclusion attached to the choice of any approved subject.
“All subjects remain fully open for students to choose from, provided such choices are properly guided by the school authority, parents, or a certified school counsellor,” the ministers stated.
They explained that science students are free to pick subjects traditionally grouped under the arts or social sciences, while arts and social science students may also select science-based subjects. According to the ministers, the revised curriculum was designed to be flexible, student-centred, and supportive of diverse academic interests and career pathways.
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The government also clarified that the subject previously known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has now been renamed Digital Technology, stressing that the adjustment is only a change in nomenclature. The curriculum content remains intact, and students who offered ICT are fully qualified to register for Digital Technology in both internal and external examinations.
Addressing concerns over trade subjects, the Ministry noted that six have been officially approved.
“A student may register for any of these subjects if the school offers them and the student has been taught the subject. However, there is no obligation to register for a trade subject where a student has not been exposed to any of the six approved options,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to smooth and accurate examination processes, the Ministry urged parents, school owners, counsellors and examination bodies to rely on verified information and ensure proper guidance to all candidates.
The Federal Government assured that it will continue to promote seamless, well-coordinated WAEC registration across the country.
FG Clarifies WAEC Subject Selection, Says Students Free to Choose Across All Fields
Education
NECO grants full accreditation to schools in Burkina Faso to conduct SSCE, BECE exams
NECO grants full accreditation to schools in Burkina Faso to conduct SSCE, BECE exams
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has expanded its international operations with the accreditation of schools in Burkina Faso to conduct its flagship examinations, the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the council’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Azeez Sani, confirmed that NECO granted full approval after a comprehensive assessment of selected institutions in the West African nation.
According to Sani, a NECO accreditation team evaluated the schools’ infrastructure and readiness by inspecting classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, examination halls, sports facilities and overall security architecture. The team also reviewed Continuous Assessment (CA) records, staffing levels, and the general learning environment before issuing approval.
“Following a thorough and detailed evaluation, the schools were granted full accreditation to host the SSCE and BECE,” Sani said.
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He added that NECO’s expansion into Burkina Faso reflects its growing commitment to providing quality education assessment services across Africa. With this development, the council strengthens its goal of becoming a leading continental examination body serving both Nigerian and foreign students.
Sani further recalled that NECO recently established an examination centre in London, United Kingdom, adding to existing centres in Togo, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Saudi Arabia.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Amb. M.D. Galadima, applauded the development, describing it as a major relief for Nigerian families in the country. He noted that parents previously had to take their children to Saki, Oyo State, to register and sit for NECO exams — a process that posed security risks and imposed heavy financial burdens.
“With this accreditation, those risks are eliminated, and families can now save significant costs,” Galadima said, urging Nigerians in Burkina Faso to seize the opportunity by enrolling their children for NECO examinations.
Leader of the accreditation team, Dr. Uche Ezenwanne, said the approval now allows Nigerian students residing in Burkina Faso to write the SSCE and BECE without travelling back home.
NECO grants full accreditation to schools in Burkina Faso to conduct SSCE, BECE exams
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