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 Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja, Nigeria – In a commendable display of appreciation, ‘Gen.’ Dennis Kpaidia, leader of the Tantita Odimodi Unit, has lauded the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro (PhD.), for his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and leadership development in the Niger Delta.
This follows the commencement of a three-day day intensive training programme on Peacebuilding, Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation, organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.
The training, held in the Federal Capital Territory, brought together selected youth and community leaders from various communities across the Iger Delta. The initiative forms part of the reintegration phase of the Amnesty Programme, aimed at equipping key stakeholders with tools for the effective leadership, dialogue, and nonviolent conflict resolution in order to forestall imminent intercommunity crisis.
Speaking to IduwiniVoice, Kpaidia expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Otuaro over what he described as a “visionary leadership style that prioritizes the growth and peaceful coexistence of the region.”He noted that such training sessions are vital in deepening participants’ understanding of conflict dynamics and in strengthening local structures for sustainable peace.
“This training has opened our eyes to new methods of resolving disputes peacefully and building consensus in our communities. I thank Chief Dr. Otuaro for investing in our future of the Niger Delta youth and for giving us the tolls to lead rightly.” Kaidia State.
The peacebuilding programme is expected to continue over the next two days, with sessions facilitated by security and conflict resolution experts, mediators, and development professionals from both civil and military backgrounds.
As the region continues its journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development, initiatives like this stand out as evidence of the evolving impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship.
News
PAP: Amnesty Boss Partners Nigerian Army, Lauches Leadership, Mediation Training for Niger Delta Peacebuilding
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025:
In a decisive step towards enhancing leadership effectiveness and deepening peace efforts in the Niger Delta, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has flagged off a three-day intensive training session in Abuja.
The programme, organised in partnership with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), is taking place at the NARC complex in Asokoro and is tailored to empower key stakeholders from the Niger Delta with strategic peacebuilding.
Themed “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation, ” the training seeks to develop the knowledge, skills, and Attitudes (KSAs) required for participants to play active roles in conflict management and community-level Mediation. The initiative is expected to strengthen the leadership capacity of participants while promoting sustainable peace and social harmony in the region.
Speaking on the essence of the initiative, officials of the Amnesty Programme noted that the training reflects the renewed focus of Chief Dr. Otuaro’s administration on community empowerment and the the prevention of conflict through dialogue and nonviolent engagement.
“This programme is a vital step in building responsible, proactive leadership within the Niger Delta,” a PAP spokesperson remarked. “It’s about equipping our people not just with skills, but with the mindset to foster peace and drive development.”
The training also underscores the Amnesty Office’s commitment to broadening the scope of post-conflict reintegration efforts beyond economic development by institutionalizing community-driven peace strategies.
Participants included community leaders, youth influences, and stakeholders drawn from various Niger Delta communities who are expected to return home with practical tools to mediate disputes and foster collaboration.
The initiative aligns with PAP’s broader vision to consolidate peace gains and stimulate economic development through a culture of dialogue, leadership accountability, and conflict transformation.
Sponsored:
GbaramatuVoice, a leading award-wining media outlet in the Niger Delta, is set to celebrate a decade of impactful storytelling and journalism with a two-day event to be held on August 27 and 28, 2025, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. This milestone celebration will include a high-profile Public Lecture and the much-anticipated Niger Delta Night of Honour, both designed to highlight the platform’s dedication to advocating for the Niger Delta development, cultural identity, and social justice.
The Public Lecture on Wednesday, August 27, will kick off at 10:30 am and focus on the theme: “Gaps and Silences in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Economy: Appraisal of Resource Control, Security and Media Dynamics.” This lecture will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, oil and gas industry leaders, international oil companies (IOCs), security experts, diplomats, academics, and media professionals. The goal is to open up an honest dialogue about ongoing challenges in the Niger Delta, specifically around resource control, national integration, environmental justice, and the pivotal role the media plays in these issues.
“We’ve spent ten years covering the stories of oil, conflict, justice, and survival that often go unheard in mainstream narratives,” said the organizers. “This lecture aims to shed light on those silences and bring them to the forefront.”
The Niger Delta Night of Honour, taking place on Thursday, August 28, will follow in the evening, beginning with a red carpet reception at 4:00 pm, and the main ceremony at 5:00 pm. This glamorous event is dedicated to honoring individuals, institutions and cultural figures who have made significant contributions to the progress, peace, and identity of the Niger Delta. The night will feature awards, cultural performances, and special recognitions for those who have shaped the region’s development.
Mr. Jacob Abai, the Publisher and CEO of GbaramatuVoice, emphasized that this anniversary represents more than just a media milestone; it is a reflection of the organization’s purpose-driven journey. “This celebration marks ten years of courage, truth, and culture. We have been a voice, telling stories of resilience and challenging power while inspiring progress in our region,” Mr. Abai stated. “Our mission has always been to amplify the voices of the marginalized and document the rich heritage of the Niger Delta.”
The event will also feature impressive lineup of guest speakers, panelists, award recipients, and entertainers, with further details to be disclosed in the coming weeks. Dignitaries expected to attend include traditional rulers, governors, senators, leaders from oil-producing communities, and key players in diplomacy, civil society, and media development.
Organizers are inviting stakeholders, sponsors, the well-wishers to participate in this historic occasion. For participation, sponsorships, or media partnerships, interested parties can contact 0803 089 1146 or 0814 345 9986, or email info@gbaramatuvoicenews.com
Founded in 2015,GbaramatuVoice has grown into a leading pan-Niger Delta media organization, with a strong presence in print, digital, and television broadcasting. The platform remains committed to bridging the gap between the oil-rich communities of the Niger Delta and the rest of Nigeria, as well as the international community, with a focus on advocacy, cultural identity, and developmental journalism.
Credit: Channels Television of Facebook.