News
BREAKING: 2025 JAMB Policy Ushers in Major Admission Reforms-Ranking Now More Crucial Than Raw Scores
Editorial
Abuja, Nigeria – The 2025 edition of the joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting has introduced sweeping changes set to reshape university admissions in Nigeria. The announcements, which were made by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during the Policy gathering in Abuja, have since been reported by major national media including Channels TV, The Nation, Vanguard, Daily Trust, and The Punch.
One of the most notable revelations is a shift in the evaluation framework for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates: ranking is now more significant than absolute scores.
“JAMB is not an achievement test; it is a ranking exam,”
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB.
With this redefinition of purpose, every JAMB result slip will now feature not just a candidate’s raw score, but also their national ranking- a comparative measure showing how well they performed in relation to others across the country.
Why Rank Matters More Than Score
The implication is clear: a high score may no longer guarantee an edge if other candidates outperformed you nationally. Real-world data shared by JAMB supports this:
• A student with 370 marks ranked only 16th nationwide.
• Another candidate who scored 200 was placed 533,005th.
• Someone with 140 could rank below 1.5 million.
This means that candidates and parents must now focus more on relative ranking than just the numeric score.
2025 UTME Top Performers Unveiled
JAMB has officially released the names of the top 10 candidates in the 2025 UTME, most of whom applied to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) -an emerging hub for top-tier engineering aspirants.
Here are the standout Performers:
1. Dzekwe Chinedu Chielotan – 379, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering.
2. Ayuba Simon-Peter John – 378, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
3. Jimoh Abdulmutalib Olayinka – 374, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
4. Roberts Daniels Ayiba – 373, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
5. Ononogbu Chigozirim Chlbuozor – 373, UNILAG, Electrical/Electronic Engineering
6. Olawoye Garrudes Tumise – 371, UNILAG, Mechanical Engineering
7. Afiunu Ofeortiee Leslle – 369, COVENANT, Computer Science
8. Azayiseme Samuel Chukwumeka – 369, COVENANT, Mechanical Engineering
9. Oyelude Oluwapemisi Emmanuel – 369, OAU, Areospace Engineering
10. Omeigie Osalogho Cecil – 365, UI Mechanical Engineering
Most Popular Universities in 2025
Jamb also released data on the instructions with the highest number of first-choice applications, According to Daily Trust and The Nation, the top 10 most sought – after installations are:
1. Lagos State University (LASU) – 79,000
2. University of Lagos (UNI LAG) – 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 Ibadon (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
Insight: The more applications a school receives, the stiffer the competition – especially for high – demand programs like medicine, Law , and Engineering.
Approved Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026 Admissions
In line with the new policy direction, JAMB has set the following minimum Cut-Off Marks:
a. Federal & State Universities: 150
b. Colleges of Nursing: 140
c. Polytechnics, Colleges of Education & Agriculture: 100
Admission Timelines and Deadlines
Jamb also released strict deadlines for completing the admissions process:
a. Public universities are expected to conclude admissions by October 2025.
b. Private universities and institutions have up until November -December 2025.
Candidates must also act promptly on admission offers:
a. If JAMB recommends a candidate to a school, it must accept or reject the offer within two weeks.
b. If a candidate receives a direct offer from an institution, they have four weeks to respond. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in the forfeiture of admissions.
Stricter Merit-Based Admission Policy
To clamp down on manipulative admission practices, JAMB now mandates that institutions must fill at least 90% of their admission slots based strictly on merit before resorting to the exemption mode- often abused for “connection -based” entries.
This decision, as reported by Channels Television, reinforces JAMB ‘s commitment to fairness and meritocracy.
Minimum Age Requirement Still 16
The board reaffirmed that the minimum Age for University admission remains 16 years. Candidates below the age are not eligible , regardless to their POST UTME scores.
Medical Courses Remain Overwhelmingly Competitive
In another significant update, over 570,000 candidates reportedly applied for programmes under Medical Sciences. However, available slots across the country can accommodate only about 115,000 students – meaning only 1 in 5 applicant will be admitted.
A Final Word to Parents and Candidates
In light of these reforms, both students and parents must now adopt a new mindset. Scoring 300+ May look good on paper, but if thousands of others scored higher, the rank is what truly determines admission.
Stay informed, monitor your rank, and respond quickly to offers. The new JAMB era demands strategy, speed and smart choices .
By: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
News
Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.