Concerns have been raised over the declining Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut-off marks for university admissions in Nigeria. A social media post by Brian Jonah Dennis has sparked widespread discussion about the implications of the current admission criteria, which have seen a significant drop in cut-off marks over the years.
Dennis recalled the days when cut-off marks were much higher, with 220 and above required for competitive courses like Medicine in universities such as the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Benin (UNIBEN). Other universities and polytechnics had cut-off marks of 200 or 180, reflecting the academic rigor expected at the time.
Declining Standards Over the Years
The post highlights how cut-off marks have steadily declined over the years, dropping from 220 to 200, then 200 to 180, and eventually 160 to 140. Dennis lamented that what was once considered a failing score is now sufficient for university admission.
“If someone scored 150 in JAMB in 2009, they would not bother telling their parents their JAMB score; they would just lie that their center got canceled or something. But in 2025, if you scored 140, you could get into university,” he wrote.
Impact on Educational Standards
Dennis argued that this decline in cut-off marks reflects a broader issue of deteriorating academic standards in the country. He criticized the system for “rewarding unintelligence” and creating a society of graduates who struggle to comprehend what they read.
“We are raising a dull society and rewarding unintelligence. Na why graduate go sabi read but no go understand wetin e read,” he added.
A Call for Reflection
The criticism comes as many stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector continue to express concerns about the quality of graduates and the overall state of the nation’s tertiary education system. While some argue that lower cut-off marks provide more opportunities for students, others see it as a compromise on academic excellence.
A Growing Debate
The post has sparked heated debate online, with many agreeing that the lowering of cut-off marks signals a decline in the country’s educational standards. Others, however, argue that the real issue lies in the need to overhaul the education system, improve facilities, and invest in quality teaching.
Conclusion
The declining cut-off marks for university admissions have brought attention to the need for a balanced approach that ensures inclusivity without compromising academic standards. As Nigeria continues to grapple with these issues, stakeholders in the education sector must find sustainable solutions to restore confidence in the nation’s academic institutions.
Omo you people should calm down ooo 😏
Reducing cut off point is the worst thing that has happened to our Educational system. Most graduates don’t know why they went to the University
You need to look at the number of tertiary institutions in the country. For an institution to remain competitive and sustainable, requires the admission of more prospective students.
Bros you need to be sure of this your concern.For me cut off points are still pretty high,if there is lowering of cut off,it’s for the University to make money through purchasing and registering for post UME.Premieir university’s do not offer admission for students with 140 and 160 ok.My son scored 278 in Jamb,73% post UME,his aggregate was 71.25% he was not offered medicine his dream course but was offered animal science and environmental biology,imagine.So he was advised that for him to get medicine,he has to score 300 and above.Its like this in Unilag,OAU,IBADAN,Nsukka to mention a few.May be for private University 140 and 160 works but even state Universities such scores are difficult for entrance into the university.
I think he has a point, since it makes passing a little too effortless